BROTHER HE1 User Manual
Computerized Embroidery Machine  
Operation Manual  
Product Code 885-V51  
GETTING READY  
EMBROIDERY  
APPENDIX  
Please visit us at http://solutions.brother.com where you can get  
product support and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).  
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Introduction  
Thank you for purchasing this embroidery machine. Before using this machine, carefully read the "IMPORTANT  
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS", and then study this manual for the correct operation of the various functions.  
In addition, after you have finished reading this manual, store it where it can quickly be accessed for future  
reference.  
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  
Please read these safety instructions before attempting to use the machine.  
DANGER  
- To reduce the risk of electric shock  
1
Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet immediately after using, when cleaning,  
when making any user servicing adjustments mentioned in this manual, or if you are leaving the  
machine unattended.  
WARNING  
- To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.  
2
Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or  
when making any adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual.  
• To unplug the machine, switch the machine to the symbol “O” position to turn it off, then grasp  
the plug and pull it out of the electrical outlet. Do not pull on the cord.  
• Plug the machine directly into the electrical outlet. Do not use an extension cord.  
• Always unplug your machine if the power is cut.  
3
Never operate this machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has  
been dropped or damaged, or water is spilled on the unit. Return the machine to the nearest  
authorized dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.  
• While the machine is stored or in use if you notice anything unusual, such as an odor, heat,  
discoloration or deformation, stop using the machine immediately and unplug the power cord.  
• When transporting the machine, be sure to carry it by its handle. Lifting the machine by any other  
part may damage the machine or result in the machine falling, which could cause injuries.  
• When lifting the machine, be careful not to make any sudden or careless movements, otherwise  
you may injure your back or knees.  
4
Always keep your work area clear:  
• Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the  
machine free from the build up of lint, dust, and loose cloth.  
• Do not use extension cords. Plug the machine directly into the electrical outlet.  
• Never drop or insert any object into any opening.  
• Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being  
administered.  
1
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• Do not use the machine near a heat source, such as a stove or iron; otherwise, the machine,  
power cord or garment being embroidered may ignite, resulting in fire or an electric shock.  
• Do not place this machine on an unstable surface, such as an unsteady or slanted table,  
otherwise the machine may fall, resulting in injuries.  
5
Special care is required when embroidering:  
• Always pay close attention to the needle. Do not use bent or damaged needles.  
• Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the machine needle.  
• Switch the machine to the symbol “O” position to turn it off when making any adjustments in the  
needle area.  
• Do not use a damaged or incorrect needle plate, as it could cause the needle to break.  
• Do not push or pull the fabric when embroidering.  
6
This machine is not a toy:  
• Your close attention is necessary when the machine is used by or near children.  
• The plastic bag that this machine was supplied in should be kept out of the reach of children or  
disposed of. Never allow children to play with the bag due to the danger of suffocation.  
• Do not use outdoors.  
7
For a longer service life:  
• When storing this machine, avoid direct sunlight and high humidity locations. Do not use or store  
the machine near a space heater, iron, halogen lamp, or other hot objects.  
• Use only neutral soaps or detergents to clean the machine. Benzene, thinner, and scouring  
powders can damage the machine, and should never be used.  
• Always consult the operation manual when replacing or installing any assemblies, needle, or  
other parts to assure correct installation.  
8
For repair or adjustment:  
• If the light unit is damaged, it must be replaced by an authorized dealer.  
• In the event a malfunction occurs or adjustment is required, first follow the troubleshooting table  
in the back of the operation manual to inspect and adjust the machine yourself. If the problem  
persists, please consult your local authorized Brother dealer.  
Use this machine only for its intended use as described in the manual.  
Use accessories recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual.  
Use only the interface cable (USB cable) included with this machine.  
The contents of this manual and specifications of this product are subject to change without notice.  
For additional product information and updates, visit our web site at www.brother.com  
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS  
This machine is intended for household use.  
2
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This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory  
or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision  
or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. Children should  
be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.  
FOR USERS IN THE UK, EIRE, MALTA AND CYPRUS ONLY  
IMPORTANT  
• In the event of replacing the plug fuse, use a fuse approved by ASTA to BS 1362, i.e. carrying  
the  
mark, rating as marked on plug.  
• Always replace the fuse cover. Never use plugs with the fuse cover omitted.  
• If the available electrical outlet is not suitable for the plug supplied with this equipment, you should  
contact your authorized dealer to obtain the correct lead.  
3
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Federal Communications Commission (FCC)  
Declaration of Conformity (For USA Only)  
Responsible Party: Brother International Corporation  
100 Somerset Corporate Boulevard  
Bridgewater, NJ 08807-0911 USA  
TEL : (908) 704-1700  
declares that the product  
Product Name:  
Model Number:  
Brother Sewing Machine  
HE1, PE500  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two  
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any  
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,  
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection  
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can  
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,  
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that  
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful  
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off  
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following  
measures:  
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is  
connected.  
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
• The included interface cable should be used in order to ensure compliance with the limits for a  
Class B digital device.  
• Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Brother Industries, Ltd. could void the user's  
authority to operate the equipment.  
4
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Contents  
Introduction ........................................................................................................................1  
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ...............................................................................1  
Machine Features ................................................................................................................7  
Accessories ..........................................................................................................................8  
Included accessories ......................................................................................................................................... 8  
Optional accessories ......................................................................................................................................... 9  
Names of Machine Parts and Their Functions ...................................................................10  
Front view ....................................................................................................................................................... 10  
Needle and embroidery foot section ............................................................................................................... 11  
Right-side/rear view ........................................................................................................................................ 11  
Operation buttons ........................................................................................................................................... 12  
Operation panel .............................................................................................................................................. 13  
GETTING READY  
15  
Basic Steps for Embroidering .............................................................................................16  
Turning the Machine On/Off .............................................................................................17  
Power supply precautions ............................................................................................................................... 17  
Turning on the machine .................................................................................................................................. 18  
Turning off the machine .................................................................................................................................. 18  
Attaching the Embroidery Unit ..........................................................................................19  
Embroidery unit precautions ........................................................................................................................... 19  
Attaching the embroidery unit ......................................................................................................................... 19  
Removing the embroidery unit ........................................................................................................................ 21  
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Operation ............................................................................22  
Viewing the LCD ............................................................................................................................................. 22  
Changing the machine settings ....................................................................................................................... 23  
Checking machine operating procedures ........................................................................................................ 25  
Preparing Items for embroidering .....................................................................................26  
Preparing the Needle .........................................................................................................27  
Needle precautions ......................................................................................................................................... 27  
Checking the needle ....................................................................................................................................... 27  
Replacing the needle ....................................................................................................................................... 28  
Winding/Installing the Bobbin ...........................................................................................29  
Bobbin precautions ......................................................................................................................................... 29  
Winding the bobbin ........................................................................................................................................ 29  
Installing the bobbin ....................................................................................................................................... 34  
Upper Threading ...............................................................................................................37  
About the spool of thread ................................................................................................................................ 37  
Threading the upper thread ............................................................................................................................. 38  
Preparing the Fabric ..........................................................................................................43  
Attaching a stabilizer material to the fabric ..................................................................................................... 43  
Setting the fabric in the embroidery frame ....................................................................................................... 44  
Attaching the Embroidery Frame .......................................................................................47  
Attaching the embroidery frame ...................................................................................................................... 47  
Removing the embroidery frame ..................................................................................................................... 48  
EMBROIDERY  
49  
Selecting Embroidery Patterns ...........................................................................................50  
Copyright information ..................................................................................................................................... 50  
Embroidery pattern types ................................................................................................................................. 50  
Setting for embroidering.................................................................................................................................. 51  
Selecting alphanumeric characters .................................................................................................................. 53  
Selecting an embroidery pattern ...................................................................................................................... 54  
Selecting a frame pattern ................................................................................................................................. 55  
Using an embroidery card ............................................................................................................................... 55  
5
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Embroidering .....................................................................................................................57  
Embroidering a pattern .................................................................................................................................... 57  
Appliquéing ................................................................................................................................................... 59  
Editing and Saving Patterns ...............................................................................................61  
Adjusting the layout and the size ..................................................................................................................... 61  
Adjusting the upper thread tension .................................................................................................................. 63  
Adjusting the bobbin thread tension ................................................................................................................ 64  
Connecting character patterns ......................................................................................................................... 65  
Resewing ........................................................................................................................................................ 66  
Thread runs out partway through a design ....................................................................................................... 67  
Stopping while embroidering .......................................................................................................................... 67  
Using the Memory Function ..............................................................................................69  
Embroidery data precautions ........................................................................................................................... 69  
Saving patterns ................................................................................................................................................ 70  
Retrieving embroidery patterns from the computer .......................................................................................... 71  
APPENDIX  
73  
Care and Maintenance ......................................................................................................74  
Cleaning the machine surface ......................................................................................................................... 74  
Cleaning the race ............................................................................................................................................ 74  
Attaching the Embroidery Foot .........................................................................................76  
Attaching the embroidery foot ........................................................................................................................ 76  
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................78  
Error messages ................................................................................................................................................ 82  
Adjusting the LCD ........................................................................................................................................... 85  
Operation beep ............................................................................................................................................... 85  
Upgrading Your Machine's Software .................................................................................86  
Index .................................................................................................................................87  
6
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Machine Features  
a Automatic thread cutting  
The thread can be cut automatically after embroidering (page 58).  
b Fast bobbin winding system  
With the fast and simple bobbin winder, you can wind bobbins with one press of a button (page 29).  
c USB port  
Various embroidery patterns on the website or saved in your PC become available by using the USB cable (page 71).  
d Bright light  
The convenient LED lamp makes it easy to work on dark fabrics.  
e Quick-set bobbin  
You can start embroidering without pulling up the bobbin thread (page 34).  
f Easy-to-use needle threader  
You can thread the needle easily by one press of a lever (page 38).  
g Lighting Start/Stop button  
When the green light is on, the machine is ready to embroider. A red or orange light indicates an error or that the machine  
is warming up (page 12).  
h Embroidery  
You can embroider built-in embroidery patterns, alphanumeric characters, framed decorations, and designs from optional  
embroidery cards (page 49).  
7
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Accessories  
After opening the box, check that the following accessories are included. If any item is missing or  
damaged, contact your dealer.  
Included accessories  
*1  
10.  
3.  
1.  
2.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
7.  
8.  
9.  
11.  
12.  
13.  
14.  
15.  
16.  
17.  
18.  
19.  
20.  
*1 75/11 3 needles, 90/14 1 needle  
Part Code  
Part Code  
Americas Others  
No.  
Part Name  
Seam ripper  
No.  
Part Name  
Americas  
Others  
1
XZ5082-001  
13 Touch pen  
XE3069-001  
SFB:  
XA5539-  
151  
Bobbin (4)  
(One is on machine.)  
Embroidery foot "Q"  
(on machine)  
2
SA156  
14  
XD0474-151  
Embroidery set (medium)  
EF62:  
XA6628-102  
3
Needle set  
X59535-051  
15 H 10 cm X W 10 cm  
(H 4 inches X W 4 inches)  
16 Dust cover  
SA432  
4
5
Cleaning brush  
Spool cap (large)  
Spool cap (medium)  
(on machine)  
Spool cap (small)  
Spool net  
X59476-021  
130012-024  
XE5387-001  
XD0745-051  
17 USB cable  
6
XE1372-001  
18 Operation manual  
XE5427-201  
7
8
9
130013-124  
XA5523-020  
XC1807-121  
XC1074-051  
19 Quick reference guide  
20 Accessory bag  
XE5366-001  
XC4487-021  
Scissors  
10 Disc-shaped screwdriver  
EBT-PEN:  
Brother poly #90 bobbin  
thread  
11  
EBT-PE  
XC5996-  
001  
XC4237-021  
12 Screwdriver  
8
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Optional accessories  
The following are available as optional accessories.  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Part Code  
No.  
Part Name  
Americas  
Others  
Brother poly #90 bobbin  
thread  
Embroidery card  
EBT-PEN:  
XC5996-001  
1
2
EBT-PE  
-
Embroidery set (small)  
EF61:  
3
H 2 cm  
×
W 6 cm  
SA431  
SA434  
4.  
5.  
XA6630-102  
(H 1 inch  
×
W 2-1/2 inches)  
Embroidery set (large)  
H 17 cm  
×
W 10 cm  
EF71:  
XC2026-102  
4
(H 6-3/4 inches  
inches)  
×
W 4  
BM5:  
Water soluble stabilizer  
SA520  
SA519  
XE0615-001  
5
Stabilizer material for  
embroidery  
BM3:  
XE0806-001  
Memo  
z To obtain optional accessories or parts, contact your sales representative, the nearest authorized service  
center or visit the website at " http://www.brother.com ".  
z
All specifications are correct at the time of printing. The part codes are subject to change without notice.  
z Visit your nearest authorized dealer for a complete listing of optional accessories available for your  
machine.  
9
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Names of Machine Parts and Their Functions  
The names of the various parts of the machine and their functions are described below. Before using the  
machine, carefully read these descriptions to learn the names of the machine parts.  
Front view  
a Thread guide cover (page 31, 39)  
h Presser foot lever (page 28)  
Pass the thread under this thread guide cover when  
winding the bobbin thread and threading the machine.  
Raise and lower the presser foot lever to raise and lower  
the embroidery foot .  
b Thread guide (page 31, 39)  
i Operation buttons (page 12)  
Pass the thread under this thread guide when winding  
the bobbin thread and threading the machine.  
Use these buttons to operate the machine.  
j Embroidery unit (page 19)  
Attach the embroidery unit to the machine, and then  
attach the embroidery frame.  
c Spool pin (page 30, 38)  
Place a spool of thread on the spool pin.  
d Bobbin winder (page 29)  
k Thread cutter (page 40)  
Use the bobbin winder when winding the bobbin.  
Pass the threads through the thread cutter to cut them.  
e LCD (liquid crystal display) (touch panel) (page 22)  
Setting for the selected pattern and error messages  
appear in the LCD.  
l Needle threader lever (page 41)  
Use the needle threader lever to thread the needle.  
m Thread tension dial (page 63)  
Adjust the upper thread tension with this dial.  
f Operation panel (page 13)  
Use the keys on this panel to select embroidery patterns,  
or check how to use the machine, etc.  
n Thread take-up lever (page 40)  
o Bobbin-winding thread guide and pretension disc  
(page 31)  
g Embroidery unit connector slot (page 20)  
Plug in the connector for the embroidery unit.  
Pass the thread under this thread guide and around the  
pretension disc when winding the bobbin thread.  
10  
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Right-side/rear view  
Needle and embroidery foot  
section  
a Handle  
a Thread guide disk (page 40)  
Carry the machine by its handle when transporting the  
machine.  
Pass the thread through the thread guide disk when  
using the needle threader to thread the needle.  
b Handwheel (page 38)  
b Needle bar thread guide (page 40)  
Pass the upper thread through the needle bar thread  
guide.  
Turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) to  
raise and lower the needle.  
c Embroidery card slot (page 55)  
c Needle plate  
Insert the embroidery card.  
When the needle is lowered, it enters the hole in the  
needle plate.  
d USB port (page 71)  
Connect the one end of the USB cable to this port and  
the other to the computer.  
d Needle plate cover (page 74)  
Remove the needle plate cover to clean the bobbin case  
and race.  
e Air vent  
The air vent allows the air surrounding the motor to be  
exchanged. Do not cover the air vent while the machine  
is being used.  
e Bobbin cover/bobbin case (page 35)  
Remove the bobbin cover, and then insert the bobbin  
into the bobbin case.  
f Main power switch (page 18)  
f Embroidery foot “Q” (page 76)  
Use the main power switch to turn the machine on and  
off.  
This presser foot is used for embroidering.  
g Power supply jack (page 18)  
Insert the plug on the power supply cord into the power  
supply jack.  
Memo  
z Refer to pages 10 through 13 while you are  
learning to use your machine.  
11  
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Operation buttons  
The operation buttons help you to easily perform various basic machine operations.  
a Start/stop button  
Press the start/stop button to start or stop embroidering.  
The machine embroiders at a slow speed while the  
CAUTION  
button is pressed. When embroidering is stopped, the  
● Do not press the thread cutter button  
needle is lowered in the fabric.  
after the threads have already been cut,  
The button changes color according to the machine’s  
otherwise the needle may break, the  
threads may become tangled or damage  
to the machine may occur.  
operation mode.  
Green:  
The machine is ready to embroider or  
is embroidering.  
Red:  
The machine can not embroider.  
Orange:  
The machine is winding the bobbin  
thread, or the bobbin winder shaft is  
moved to the right side.  
Note  
z Do not press the thread cutter button if there  
is no fabric under the embroidery foot or  
while the machine is embroidering,  
otherwise damage to the machine may  
occur.  
b Needle position button  
Press the needle position button to raise or lower the  
needle. Be sure to raise the needle before threading the  
needle. Pressing the button twice sews one stitch.  
z When cutting nylon thread or other special  
threads, use the thread cutter on the side of  
the machine.  
c Thread cutter button  
Press the thread cutter button after embroidering is  
stopped to cut both the upper thread and the bobbin  
threads.  
12  
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Operation panel  
The front operation panel has an LCD (liquid crystal display) and operation keys.  
a LCD (liquid crystal display) (touch panel)  
Setting for the selected pattern and error messages  
appear in the LCD.  
e
Memory key  
Press to save embroidery patterns and the alphanumeric  
characters in the machine’s memory.  
Touch the keys displayed on the LCD with your finger  
or a touch pen to perform operations.  
For details, refer to "LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)  
Operation" (page 22).  
f Embroidery key  
Press to display the pattern type selection screen.  
g Settings key  
b Back key  
Press to display the settings screen.  
Press to return to the previous screen.  
h Help key  
c Previous page key  
Press to get help on using the machine. Displays simple  
explanations of setting upper thread / bobbin winding /  
setting bobbin thread / embroidery unit attachment /  
embroidery frame attachment / needle replacement.  
Press to display the previous page when there are items  
that are not displayed on the LCD.  
d Next page key  
Press to display the next page when there are items that  
are not displayed on the LCD.  
13  
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14  
1
GETTING READY  
The various preparations to start embroidering are described in this chapter.  
Basic Steps for Embroidering...................................................................................16  
Turning the Machine On/Off ..................................................................................17  
Attaching the Embroidery Unit................................................................................19  
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Operation..................................................................22  
Preparing Items for Embroidering ...........................................................................26  
Preparing the Needle...............................................................................................27  
Winding/Installing the Bobbin.................................................................................29  
Upper Threading .....................................................................................................37  
Preparing the Fabric................................................................................................43  
Attaching the Embroidery Frame.............................................................................47  
GETTING READY ————————————————————————————————————————————  
Basic Steps for Embroidering  
This section describes the preparations for embroidering.  
The basic steps for embroidering are as follows.  
Attach the embroidery unit.  
For details, refer to "Attaching the embroidery unit" (page 19).  
1
Embroidery unit attachment  
↓
Use a needle matched to the fabric.  
For details, refer to "Replacing the needle" (page 28).  
2
Needle preparation  
↓
For the bobbin thread, wind embroidery bobbin thread and set it in  
place.  
3
4
Bobbin thread setup  
Fabric preparation  
For details, refer to "Winding/Installing the Bobbin" (page 29).  
↓
Attach a stabilizer material to the fabric, and hoop it in an embroidery  
frame.  
For details, refer to "Preparing the Fabric" (page 43).  
↓
Embroidery frame  
attachment  
Attach the embroidery frame to the embroidery unit.  
5
6
For details, refer to "Attaching the Embroidery Frame" (page 47).  
↓
Select an embroidery pattern.  
For details, refer to "Selecting Embroidery Patterns" (page 50).  
Pattern selection  
↓
Set up the upper thread according to the selected pattern.  
7
8
Upper thread setup  
Checking the layout  
For details on setting up the thread, refer to "Upper Threading" (page 37).  
↓
Check and adjust the size and position of the embroidery pattern.  
For details, refer to "Adjusting the layout and the size" (page 61).  
16  
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Turning the Machine On/Off  
This section explains how to turn the machine on and off.  
1
Power supply precautions  
Be sure to observe the following precautions concerning the power supply.  
WARNING  
● Use only regular household electricity for the power source. Using other power sources may  
result in fire, electric shock, or damage to the machine.  
● Make sure that the plugs on the power cord are firmly inserted into the electrical outlet and  
the power supply jack on the machine.  
● Do not insert the plug on the power cord into an electrical outlet that is in poor condition.  
● Turn off the main power and remove the plug in the following circumstances:  
• When you are away from the machine  
• After using the machine  
• When the power fails during use  
• When the machine does not operate correctly due to a bad connection or a disconnection  
• During electrical storms  
CAUTION  
● Use only the power cord included with this machine.  
● Do not use extension cords or multi-plug adapters with many other appliances plugged in to  
them. Fire or electric shock may result.  
● Do not touch the plug with wet hands. Electric shock may result.  
● When unplugging the machine, always turn off the main power first. Always grasp the plug to  
remove it from the outlet. Pulling on the cord may damage the cord, or lead to fire or electric  
shock.  
● Do not allow the power cord to be cut, damaged, modified, forcefully bent, pulled, twisted,  
or bundled. Do not place heavy objects on the cord. Do not subject the cord to heat. These  
things may damage the cord and cause fire or electric shock. If the cord or plug is damaged,  
take the machine to your authorized dealer for repairs before continuing use.  
● Unplug the power cord if the machine is not to be used for a long period of time. Otherwise a  
fire may result.  
Turning the Machine On/Off 17  
GETTING READY ————————————————————————————————————————————  
Turning on the machine  
Turning off the machine  
When you have finished using the machine, turn it  
off. In addition, before transporting the machine to  
another location, be sure to turn it off.  
Memo  
z Before turning on the machine, be sure to  
attach the embroidery unit to it. If the  
embroidery unit is not attached, the machine  
does not operate. (For details, refer to  
“Attaching the Embroidery Unit” (page 19).)  
Make sure that the machine is completely  
a
stopped.  
Press the left side of the main power switch on  
the right side of the machine to turn the  
b
Prepare the included power supply cord.  
machine off (set it to "  
").  
Make sure that the machine is turned off (the  
a
main power switch is set to "  
"), and then  
plug the power supply cord into the power  
supply jack on the right side of the machine.  
Insert the plug of the power supply cord into a  
household electrical outlet.  
b
X The light, LCD and  
(Start/stop button) go  
off when the machine is turned off.  
Unplug the power supply cord from the  
electrical outlet.  
Grasp the plug when unplugging the power  
c
d
supply cord.  
Unplug the power cord from the power supply  
jack.  
1
Note  
z If a power outage occurs while the machine  
is being operated, turn off the machine and  
unplug the power supply cord. When  
restarting the machine, follow the necessary  
procedure to correctly operate the machine.  
a Power supply jack  
Press the right side of the main power switch  
on the right side of the machine to turn the  
machine on (set it to "|").  
c
(For U.S.A. only)  
z This appliance has a polarized plug (one  
blade wider than the other). To reduce the  
risk of electrical shock, this plug is intended  
to fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If  
the plug does not fit fully in the outlet,  
reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact  
a qualified electrician to install the proper  
outlet. Do not modify the plug in any way.  
X The light, LCD and  
(Start/stop button)  
light up when the machine is turned on.  
Memo  
z When the machine is turned on, the needle  
will make sound when it moves; this is not a  
malfunction.  
18  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Attaching the Embroidery Unit  
This section describes how to attach the embroidery unit.  
1
Embroidery unit precautions  
Attaching the embroidery unit  
Get the embroidery unit ready.  
CAUTION  
● Do not move the machine with the  
embroidery unit in place. The embroidery  
unit may be dropped and cause injury.  
● Keep your hands and other objects away  
from the embroidery carriage and frame.  
Otherwise injury may result.  
Note  
z Do not touch the connector in the  
embroidery unit connector slot. The  
connector could be damaged, and it may  
cause malfunctions.  
Make sure that the machine is turned off.  
a
z Do not lift up on the embroidery carriage,  
and do not forcefully move it. It may cause  
malfunctions.  
Memo  
z Always turn off the machine before attaching  
the embroidery unit. It may cause  
malfunctions.  
a
a Carriage  
Attaching the Embroidery Unit 19  
GETTING READY ————————————————————————————————————————————  
Slide the embroidery unit onto the machine  
arm.  
b
Push it in until it clicks and stops.  
a
a
Carriage  
CAUTION  
● Do not put your hands or other objects  
X The embroidery unit is attached.  
near the carriage. It may cause injury.  
Note  
z Make sure that there is no gap between the  
embroidery unit and the machine, otherwise  
the embroidery pattern may not be sewn  
correctly.  
Be sure to fully insert the connector into the  
connection port.  
z Do not push on the carriage when attaching  
the embroidery unit to the machine,  
otherwise damage to the embroidery unit  
may result.  
Note  
z If the machine is initialized with hands or  
objects near the carriage, the screen may  
return to the initial display. After removing  
whatever is near the carriage, turn the power  
on again.  
X The screen for selecting the embroidery  
pattern type is displayed.  
Turn on the machine.  
c
Memo  
X The confirmation message is displayed.  
z For details on the embroidery patterns, refer  
to "Selecting Embroidery Patterns" (page 50).  
Be sure that no objects or hands are near the  
d
embroidery unit and press  
.
X The carriage moves to its initial position.  
20  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Hold the release button on the bottom left of  
the embroidery unit, and slowly pull the  
d
Removing the embroidery unit  
embroidery unit to the left.  
Make sure that the machine is completely stopped  
and follow the instructions below.  
1
Remove the embroidery frame.  
a
• For details on removing the embroidery  
frame, refer to "Removing the embroidery  
frame" (page 48).  
Press  
, and then press  
.
a
b
a
Release button  
X The embroidery carriage moves into a  
X The embroidery unit separates from the  
position where it can be saved.  
machine.  
Turn off the machine.  
c
CAUTION  
● Do not carry the embroidery unit by  
holding the carriage. It may cause  
malfunctions.  
CAUTION  
● Always turn off the machine before  
removing the embroidery unit. It may  
cause malfunctions if removed when the  
machine is turned on.  
Attaching the Embroidery Unit 21  
GETTING READY ————————————————————————————————————————————  
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Operation  
Selected embroidery pattern, settings and messages are displayed on the LCD (liquid crystal display) on  
the front of the machine. Change the screen on the LCD using the keys on the right side of the LCD, and  
make operations by directly touching the icons with your finger or a touch pen. For details, refer to  
"Operation panel" (page 13).  
Viewing the LCD  
When the power is turned on, the LCD comes on. When you touch the LCD screen according to the message  
displayed on the screen with your finger or a touch pen, the following screen is displayed.  
a
b
aPattern type selection  
bMoves the embroidery unit carriage to its storage  
position  
You can select the pattern type from this screen.  
For details, refer to "Embroidery pattern types"  
(page 50).  
Press when removing the embroidery unit.  
For details, refer to "Removing the embroidery  
unit" (page 21).  
Memo  
z Refer to "Error messages" (page 82) for messages displayed on the LCD.  
22  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Changing the machine settings  
Various machine operations and settings can be changed.  
The attributes that can be set are listed below. For details on operation, refer to page 24.  
1
Attribute  
Icon  
Details  
Settings  
Thread color/Time to  
embroider/Needle count/  
Thread number (#123)  
Changes the thread color display (page 51).  
Thread color  
display  
Embroidery/Country/Madeira  
poly/Madeira rayon/Sulky/  
Robison Anton  
(When "Thread No.#123" is selected)  
Selects the measurement units that are  
displayed (page 52).  
Display unit  
Buzzer  
mm/INCH  
Specifies whether or not a beep is sounded with  
each operation (page 85).  
English/German/French/  
Italian/Dutch/Spanish/  
Japanese/Danish/Norwegian/  
Finnish/Swedish/Portuguese/  
Russian/Korean/Thai/others  
Allows the language used in the screens to be  
changed.  
Language  
LCD brightness  
Adjust the brightness of the LCD (page 85).  
Lighter  
Darker  
Display the service count which is a reminder  
to take your machine in for regular servicing.  
(Contact your nearest authorized service center  
for details.)  
Stitch counter  
-
Display the total number of embroidery stitches.  
The "NO." is the number for the machine.  
Product number  
Program version  
NO.:  
-
-
Version: Displays the program version.  
Memo  
z The item shown in reverse highlighting are the settings at the time of purchase.  
z For details on the setting while embroidering, refer to "Setting for embroidering" (page 51).  
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Operation 23  
GETTING READY ————————————————————————————————————————————  
Turn on the machine.  
Example: Changing the measurement unit  
The highlighted display is the initial setting.  
a
X The LCD comes on.  
Press  
panel.  
(Settings key) on the operation  
b
When settings are complete, press  
(Back key).  
d
X The setting screen appears.  
Press the item to be set.  
c
Switch the screen using  
(Previous page  
key) and  
(Next page key).  
• The following screens show their default  
settings.  
X The initial screen appears again.  
Memo  
z "NO." is the individual number for the  
machine.  
z "VERSION" is the program version which is  
installed in the machine.  
z Settings that are changed are saved even if  
the power is turned off.  
24  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Press  
next page.  
(Next page key) to switch to the  
d
Checking machine operating  
procedures  
Press  
previous page.  
(Previous page key) to return to the  
Simple explanations can be referred on the LCD  
display for the following items.  
Displays simple explanations of setting upper thread /  
bobbin winding / setting bobbin thread / embroidery  
unit attachment / embroidery frame attachment /  
needle replacement on the LCD.  
Press  
selection screen.  
(Back key) to return to the item  
1
Example: Upper threading  
Turn on the machine.  
a
X The LCD comes on.  
Press  
panel.  
(Help key) on the operation  
b
X The help screen appears.  
Press the item to be displayed.  
c
b
c
a
After you finish viewing, press  
key) two times.  
(Back  
e
f
e
d
a Upper threading  
X The initial screen appears again.  
b Bobbin winding  
c Bobbin installation  
Memo  
d Needle replacement  
z For details on each topic, refer to the  
corresponding page in this Operation  
Manual.  
e Embroidery frame attachment  
f Embroidery unit attachment  
X The first screen describing the procedure for  
the selected topic appears.  
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Operation 25  
GETTING READY ————————————————————————————————————————————  
Preparing Items for Embroidering  
The following is necessary for embroidering.  
■ Embroidery thread (option)  
■ Fabric  
For the upper thread, use the embroidery thread or  
Prepare the fabric for embroidery. Prepare a piece  
country thread.  
of fabric a little larger than the embroidery frame  
that matches the size of the pattern you want to  
embroider.  
Note  
z Always use stabilizer when embroidering  
projects, especially when embroidering on  
lightweight or stretch fabrics.  
For the bobbin thread, use the embroidery bobbin  
thread. For details, refer to "Optional accessories"  
(page 9).  
CAUTION  
● Do not embroider fabrics that are too  
thick. To check the fabric thickness,  
attach the embroidery frame to the  
Memo  
z For good quality embroidery designs be sure  
to use embroidery thread designed for  
embroidery machines.  
embroidery unit, and use  
(Needle  
position button) to raise the needle. If  
there is space between the embroidery  
foot and the fabric, the fabric can be  
embroidered. If there is not space, do not  
embroider the fabric. Otherwise, the  
needle may break, resulting in injury.  
● Be careful when embroidering  
overlapping patterns. The needle may not  
easily pierce the fabric, causing the  
needle to break.  
z Before starting to embroider, be sure there is  
enough bobbin thread. If you continue  
embroidering when the bobbin thread is  
low, the thread may become tangled.  
■ Needle  
Use a 75/11 home sewing machine needle. When  
embroidering on thick fabrics such as denim, use a  
90/14 home sewing machine needle.  
Memo  
z A 75/11 needle is already installed when the  
machine is purchased.  
■ Stabilizer material (option)  
Attach a stabilizer material for embroidery to the  
fabric to prevent poor quality embroidery designs.  
z When replacing the needle, refer to  
"Replacing the needle" (page 28).  
■ Other  
Embroidery frames "small" and "large" are  
optional. For details, refer to "Setting the fabric in  
the embroidery frame" (page 44).  
Use a water soluble sheet on thin materials like  
organdy and fabrics with a nap like towels.  
For details, refer to "Attaching a stabilizer material  
to the fabric" (page 43).  
26  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Preparing the Needle  
Before starting embroidering, check the needle and replace it if necessary.  
Needle precautions  
1
Be sure to observe the following precautions concerning the handling of the needle. Failure to observe  
these precautions is extremely dangerous, for example, if the needle breaks and fragments are dispersed.  
Be sure to read and carefully follow the instructions below.  
CAUTION  
z Only use home sewing machine needles. Use of any other needle may bend the needle or  
damage the machine.  
z Never use bent needles. Bent needles can easily break, possibly resulting in injuries.  
Checking the needle  
CAUTION  
Embroidering with a bent needle is extremely  
dangerous since the needle may break while the  
machine is being operated.  
Before using the needle, place the flat side of the  
z If the distance between the needle and  
the flat surface is not even, the needle is  
bent. Do not use a bent needle.  
needle on a flat surface and check that the distance  
between the needle and the flat surface is even.  
a
a
b
a
a Flat side  
b Needle type marking  
a Flat surface  
Preparing the Needle 27  
GETTING READY ————————————————————————————————————————————  
Hold the needle with your left hand, and then  
use a screwdriver to turn the needle clamp  
e
Replacing the needle  
screw toward you (counterclockwise) to  
remove the needle.  
Use the screwdriver and a needle that has been  
determined to be straight according to the  
instructions in "Checking the needle" (page 27).  
a
Press  
(Needle position button) once or  
a
twice to raise the needle.  
a
b
a
b
Screwdriver  
Needle clamp screw  
• Do not apply a strong force when loosening  
or tightening the needle clamp screw,  
otherwise certain parts of the machine may  
be damaged.  
a Needle position button  
Turn off the machine.  
b
CAUTION  
With the flat side of the needle toward the rear  
of the machine, insert the needle until it  
touches the needle stopper.  
f
z Before replacing the needle, be sure to  
turn off the machine. Otherwise, injuries  
may occur if one of the operation buttons  
is accidentally pressed and the machine  
starts embroidering.  
a
Place fabric or paper under the embroidery  
foot and cover the hole on the needle plate.  
c
Note  
a
Needle stopper  
z Before replacing the needle, be sure to cover  
the hole in the needle plate with fabric or  
paper to prevent the needle from falling into  
the machine.  
While holding the needle with your left hand,  
use the screwdriver to tighten the needle  
clamp screw.  
g
Lower the presser foot lever.  
d
CAUTION  
z
Be sure to insert the needle until it touches the  
needle stopper and securely tighten the needle  
clamp screw with the screwdriver. Otherwise,  
the needle may break or damage may result.  
a
a Presser foot lever  
28  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Winding/Installing the Bobbin  
This section describes how to wind the thread onto the bobbin, and then insert the bobbin thread.  
1
Bobbin precautions  
Be sure to observe the following precautions concerning the bobbin.  
CAUTION  
● Only use the Bobbin (part code: SA156, SFB (XA5539-151)) designed specifically for this  
machine. Use of any other bobbin may result in injuries or damage to the machine.  
● The included bobbin was designed specifically for this machine. If bobbins from other models  
are used, the machine will not operate correctly. Use only the included bobbin or bobbins of  
the same type (part code: SA156, SFB (XA5539-151)).  
Actual size  
11.5 mm  
(7/16 inch)  
Other model  
This model  
Winding the bobbin  
Wind the thread around the bobbin to prepare the bobbin thread.  
b
a
c
a Bobbin-winding thread guide  
b Bobbin winder shaft  
c Bobbin  
Memo  
z Use embroidery bobbin thread intended for this machine to get attractive finishes. If you use other  
threads, the pattern may not turn out correctly. For details, refer to "Optional accessories" (page 9).  
Winding/Installing the Bobbin 29  
GETTING READY ————————————————————————————————————————————  
Turn on the machine.  
Place the spool of thread for the bobbin onto  
the spool pin.  
a
e
Slide the spool onto the pin so that the spool is  
horizontal and the thread unwinds to the front  
at the bottom.  
Place the bobbin on the bobbin winder shaft so  
that the spring on the shaft fits into the notch  
in the bobbin.  
b
Press down on the bobbin until it snaps into  
place.  
a
b
Memo  
z Use the embroidery bobbin thread for  
embroidering.  
Note  
z If the spool is not positioned so that the  
thread unwinds correctly, the thread may  
become tangled around the spool pin.  
a Notch  
b Bobbin winder shaft spring  
Slide the spool cap onto the spool pin and  
return the spool pin to its original position.  
Slide the spool cap as far as possible to the right  
as shown, with the rounded side on the left.  
Slide the bobbin winder in the direction of the  
arrow until it snaps into place.  
f
c
X
(Start/stop button) lights up in orange.  
CAUTION  
Pick up the spool pin and remove the spool  
cap that is inserted onto the spool pin.  
d
● If the spool or the spool cap is not  
positioned correctly, the thread may  
become tangled around the spool pin or  
the machine may be damaged.  
a
b
● Three spool cap sizes are available,  
allowing you to choose a spool cap that  
best fits the size of spool being used. If the  
spool cap is too small for the spool being  
used, the thread may catch on the slit in  
the spool or the machine may be  
a Spool cap  
b Spool pin  
damaged.  
●
30  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Pass the thread behind the thread guide cover  
and to the front.  
While holding the thread near the spool with  
your right hand, pull the thread with your left  
hand as shown below.  
h
Note  
z When embroidering with fine, cross-wound  
thread, use the small spool cap, and leave a  
small space between the cap and the spool.  
1
b
c
a
a Spool cap (small)  
b Spool (cross-wound thread)  
c Space  
a
a
Thread guide cover  
z When using thread that winds off quickly,  
such as transparent nylon thread or metallic  
thread, place the spool net over the spool  
before placing the spool of thread onto the  
spool pin. If the spool net is too long, fold it  
to fit the size of the spool.  
Pull the thread to the right, pass it under the  
hook of the bobbin-winding thread guide, and  
then wind the thread counterclockwise under  
the pretension disc, pulling it in as far as  
possible.  
i
When the spool net is used, the upper thread  
tension may become tighter. Before  
embroidering, refer to "Adjusting the upper  
thread tension" (page 63).  
b
a
a
c
a
Bobbin-winding thread guide  
d
Make sure that the thread passes under the  
pretension disk.  
a Spool net  
b Spool  
c Spool cap  
d Spool pin  
b
Pull the thread from the spool and pass the  
thread under the hook of thread guide.  
g
c
d
b
c
d
Hook  
Pretension disk  
Pull it in as far as possible.  
a
a Thread guide  
Winding/Installing the Bobbin 31  
GETTING READY ————————————————————————————————————————————  
Wind the end of the thread clockwise around  
the bobbin five or six times.  
Press  
(Start/stop button) once.  
j
l
While using your left hand to hold the thread  
that was passed through the bobbin-winding  
thread guide, use your right hand to wind the  
end of the thread.  
Wind five or six times.  
a
a
Start/stop button  
X The bobbin starts winding and "Winding  
bobbin thread..." is displayed on the LCD  
screen.  
CAUTION  
Note  
● Be sure to pull the thread tightly and  
wind it clockwise. If the thread is  
wound counterclockwise, the thread  
may wind around the bobbin winder  
shaft.  
z Do not get away from the machine while  
winding the bobbin. Make sure the bobbin  
thread is being wound correctly. If the  
bobbin thread is wound incorrectly, press  
(Start/stop button) immediately to stop  
the bobbin winding.  
Pass the end of the thread through the guide  
slit in the bobbin winder seat, and then pull  
the thread to the right to cut it.  
k
When the bobbin winding stops or becomes  
m
slow, press  
(Start/stop button) once to  
stop the machine.  
X The bobbin winding will stop.  
CAUTION  
● When the bobbin winding stops or  
becomes slow, stop the machine.  
a
a Guide slit in bobbin winder seat  
Otherwise, the machine may be damaged.  
(with built-in cutter)  
CAUTION  
● Be sure to cut the thread as described. If  
the bobbin is wound without cutting the  
thread using the cutter built into the slit  
in the bobbin winder seat, the thread may  
become tangled in the bobbin or the  
needle may bend or break when the  
bobbin thread starts to run out.  
Memo  
z Make sure that the thread is correctly set  
before starting the bobbin winding.  
Otherwise the thread may become tangled  
and fail to wind the thread.  
32  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Cut the thread with scissors, slide the bobbin  
winder shaft to the left, and then remove the  
bobbin from the shaft.  
■ When the thread became tangled under the  
n
bobbin winder seat.  
If the bobbin winding starts when the thread is not  
passed under the pretension disk of the bobbin-  
winding thread guide correctly, the thread may  
become tangled under the bobbin winder seat.  
In such a case, wind off the thread according to the  
following procedure.  
1
b
a
a
b
Thread  
Bobbin winder seat  
CAUTION  
● Do not remove the bobbin winder seat  
even if the thread become tangled under  
the bobbin winder seat. It may result in  
injuries.  
● Do not remove the screw of the bobbin  
winder presser, otherwise the machine  
may be damaged; you cannot wind off the  
thread by removing the screw.  
Memo  
z If the bobbin winder shaft is set to the right  
side, the needle will not move.  
(Embroidering is impossible.)  
z When the machine is started or the  
handwheel is turned after winding the  
bobbin, the machine will make a clicking  
sound; this is not a malfunction.  
a
a Screw of the bobbin winder presser  
If the thread become tangled under the bobbin  
a
winder seat, press  
(Start/stop button) once  
to stop the bobbin winding.  
a
a
Start/stop button  
Winding/Installing the Bobbin 33  
GETTING READY ————————————————————————————————————————————  
Cut the thread with scissors beside the bobbin-  
winding thread guide.  
b
Installing the bobbin  
Install the bobbin wound with thread.  
a
CAUTION  
● Use a bobbin that has been correctly  
wound with thread, otherwise the needle  
may break or the thread tension will be  
incorrect.  
a Bobbin-winding thread guide  
Slide the bobbin winder shaft to the left, and  
then remove the bobbin from the shaft.  
c
● The included bobbin was designed  
specifically for this machine. If bobbins  
from other models are used, the machine  
will not operate correctly. Use only the  
included bobbin or bobbins of the same  
type (part code: SA156, SFB (XA5539-  
151)).  
Hold the thread end with your left hand, and  
wind off the thread clockwise near the bobbin  
with your right hand as shown below.  
Actual size  
d
11.5 mm  
(7/16 inch)  
Other model  
This model  
Memo  
z The order that the bobbin thread should be  
passed through the bobbin case is indicated  
by marks that surround the bobbin case.  
Wind the bobbin again.  
e
Note  
z Make sure that the thread passes under the  
pretension disk of the bobbin-winding  
thread guide correctly (page 31).  
34  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Press  
(Needle position button) once or  
Insert the bobbin into the bobbin case with  
your right hand.  
a
f
twice to raise the needle, and then raise the  
presser foot lever.  
a
1
b
• Be sure to insert the bobbin correctly.  
a Needle position button  
b Presser foot lever  
CAUTION  
● Be sure to insert the bobbin and depress it  
to the bottom with your finger.  
Otherwise, the thread may break or the  
thread tension will be incorrect.  
● Be sure to thread the machine as  
indicated. Otherwise, the thread may  
break or the thread tension will be  
incorrect.  
Turn off the machine.  
b
Slide the bobbin cover latch to the right.  
c
Lightly hold down the bobbin with your right  
hand, and then guide the thread as shown with  
your left hand.  
a
b
g
a Bobbin cover  
b Latch  
X The bobbin cover opens.  
Remove the bobbin cover.  
Pass the thread through the slot as shown, and  
then pull the thread out toward the front.  
d
e
h
Hold the bobbin with your right hand and hold  
the end of the thread with your left hand.  
a
a
Cutter  
• Be careful not to drop the bobbin.  
X The cutter cuts the thread.  
Winding/Installing the Bobbin 35  
GETTING READY ————————————————————————————————————————————  
Note  
z If the thread is not correctly inserted through  
the tension-adjusting spring of the bobbin  
case, it may cause incorrect thread tension  
(page 63).  
a
a Tension-adjusting spring  
Reattach the bobbin cover.  
i
Insert the tab in the lower-left corner of the  
bobbin cover, and then lightly press down on  
the right side.  
b
a
2
1
a Tab  
b Lower-left corner  
X The bobbin threading is finished. You can  
begin embroidering without pulling up the  
bobbin thread.  
Next, thread the upper thread. Continue with  
the procedure in "Upper Threading" (page 37).  
36  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Upper Threading  
This section describes how to position the spool for the upper thread, and then thread the needle.  
1
a
a Mark on handwheel  
If you use threads other than those listed above, the pattern may not turn out correctly.  
About the spool of thread  
CAUTION  
● When threading the upper thread,  
carefully follow the instructions. If the  
upper threading is not correct, the thread  
may become tangled or the needle may  
bend or break.  
Information about the spools of thread is described  
below.  
CAUTION  
● The needle threader can be used with a  
75/11 through 100/16 home sewing  
machine needle. When using special  
thread such as transparent nylon thread  
or metallic thread, the needle threader  
cannot be used.  
● Thread with a thickness of 130/120 or  
thicker cannot be used with the needle  
threader.  
● If the needle threader cannot be used,  
refer to "Threading the needle manually  
(without using the needle threader)" (page  
42).  
● If the spool or the spool cap is not  
positioned correctly, the thread may  
become tangled around the spool pin or  
the needle may break.  
● Three spool cap sizes are available,  
allowing you to choose a spool cap that  
best fits the size of spool being used. If the  
spool cap is too small for the spool being  
used, the thread may catch on the slit in  
the spool or the needle may break.  
● Never use a thread weight of 20 or lower.  
Upper Threading 37  
GETTING READY ————————————————————————————————————————————  
Press  
(Needle position button) once or  
c
twice to raise the needle.  
Threading the upper thread  
a
Set the spool of thread on the spool pin, and then  
thread the machine.  
Memo  
z Use embroidery thread, or country  
embroidery thread intended for this machine  
to get attractive finishes. If you use other  
threads, the pattern may not turn out  
correctly.  
a Needle position button  
z Before threading the upper thread, check the  
appropriate thread for the selected pattern.  
For details, refer to “Selecting Embroidery  
Patterns” (page 50).  
Note  
z The needle is correctly raised when the mark  
on the handwheel is at the top, as shown  
below. Check the handwheel and, if this  
mark is not at this position, press  
(Needle position button) until it is.  
CAUTION  
● When threading the upper thread,  
carefully follow the instructions. If the  
upper threading is not correct, the thread  
may become tangled or the needle may  
bend or break.  
a
Turn on the machine.  
a
a Mark on handwheel  
Pick up the spool pin and remove the spool  
cap that is inserted onto the spool pin.  
d
Raise the presser foot lever.  
b
a
b
a
a Spool pin  
b Spool cap  
a
Presser foot lever  
X The embroidery foot is raised.  
Place the spool of thread onto the spool pin.  
Slide the spool onto the pin so that the spool is  
horizontal and the thread unwinds to the front  
at the bottom.  
e
Memo  
z If the embroidery foot is not raised, the  
machine cannot be threaded.  
38  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Slide the spool cap onto the spool pin and  
return the spool pin to its original position.  
Slide the spool cap as far as possible to the right  
as shown, with the rounded side on the left.  
Pass the thread behind the thread guide cover  
and to the front.  
While holding the thread near the spool with  
your right hand, pull the thread with your left  
hand as shown below.  
f
h
1
CAUTION  
a
● If the spool or the spool cap is not  
positioned correctly, the thread may  
become tangled around the spool pin or  
the needle may break.  
Pull the thread from the spool and pass the  
thread under the hook of the thread guide.  
g
d
b
c
a
b
c
d
Thread guide cover  
Thread guide spring  
Thread  
When the presser foot lever is lowered  
Note  
a
z When passing the thread behind the thread  
guide cover, be sure to use both hands. If  
you do not hold the thread with your right  
hand, the thread will be loose and you will  
not be able to secure the thread in the thread  
spring guide. It may cause incorrect thread  
tension.  
a Thread guide  
z Make sure that the presser foot lever is raised  
before passing the thread behind the thread  
guide cover. If the presser foot lever is  
lowered, the thread guide spring is shut and  
you cannot hang the thread on the thread  
guide spring correctly.  
Pass the thread through the guides in the order  
shown below.  
i
3
1
2
4
Upper Threading 39  
GETTING READY ————————————————————————————————————————————  
Make sure that the thread is passed into the  
thread take-up lever as shown below.  
Pull the end of the thread, which has been  
passed through the needle bar thread guide, to  
the left, then pass the thread through the notch  
of the thread guide (1), and then firmly pull  
the thread from the front and insert it into the  
slit of the thread guide disk marked "7" all the  
way (2).  
j
m
a
Make sure that the thread passes the notch of  
the thread guide.  
a Thread take-up lever  
Memo  
z If the needle is not raised, you cannot pass  
the thread into the thread take-up lever. Be  
sure to press the needle position button to  
raise the needle before passing the thread  
into the thread take-up lever.  
Pass the thread behind the needle bar thread  
guide.  
k
The thread can easily be passed behind the  
needle bar thread guide by holding the thread  
in your left hand, then feeding the thread with  
your right hand, as shown.  
b
a
a
b
Notch of the thread guide  
Thread guide disk  
Cut the thread with the cutter on the left side  
of the machine.  
n
a
a
a
Thread cutter  
a Needle bar thread guide  
Lower the presser foot lever to lower the  
embroidery foot.  
l
a
a Presser foot lever  
40  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Lower the needle threader lever on the left  
side of the machine as much as possible to  
make the hook turn.  
Raise the needle threader lever slowly.  
a
o
p
a
1
a
Needle threader lever  
a Needle threader lever  
Raise the presser foot lever, and carefully pull  
the loop of the thread through the eye of the  
needle to pull out the end of the thread.  
q
a
b
a Needle  
b Hook  
CAUTION  
Note  
● Do not touch a button. Do not touch the  
start/stop button or needle position  
button. If one of the buttons is  
accidentally pressed, the machine will  
move and your finger may be pricked  
with the needle or the needle may break.  
● When pulling out the thread, do not pull  
it with extreme force, otherwise the  
needle may bend or break.  
z If the needle threader lever is not lowered as  
much as possible, the hook will not turn  
fully as shown below and the thread will not  
pass through the eye of the needle.  
In such a case, start from  
m
again.  
Pass the end of the thread through the  
embroidery foot hole.  
r
z If the needle is not raised, the needle  
threader cannot thread the needle. Be sure  
to press  
the needle before using the needle threader.  
For details, refer to step of "Threading the  
upper thread" (page 38).  
(Needle position button) to raise  
c
z
X The upper threading is finished.  
Upper Threading 41  
GETTING READY ————————————————————————————————————————————  
■ Threading the needle manually (without using  
the needle threader)  
When using specialty thread, such as transparent  
nylon thread which cannot be used with the needle  
threader, thread the needle as described below.  
Thread the machine to the needle bar thread  
a
guide according to steps  
a
through  
k
on  
"Threading the upper thread" (page 38).  
Lower the presser foot lever.  
b
a
a Presser foot lever  
Pass the thread through the eye of the needle  
from front to back.  
c
CAUTION  
● Do not touch the start/stop button or  
needle position button. If one of the  
buttons is accidentally pressed, the  
machine will move and your finger may  
be pricked with the needle or the needle  
may break.  
Raise the presser foot lever, pass the end of the  
thread through the embroidery foot hole.  
d
42  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Preparing the Fabric  
After attaching a stabilizer material to the embroidery fabric, it is stretched on an embroidery frame.  
Prepare stabilizer material that is larger than  
the embroidery frame being used.  
1
a
Attaching a stabilizer  
material to the fabric  
Attach a stabilizer material for embroidery to the  
fabric to prevent poor quality embroidery designs.  
a
c
b
Memo  
a
b
c
Fabric  
z We recommend the optional stabilizer  
material for embroidery. Use a water soluble  
sheet on thin materials like organdy and  
fabrics with a nap like towels.  
Size of embroidery frame  
Stabilizer material  
If you are using stabilizers with adhesive, place  
the adhesive surface of the stabilizer material  
against the wrong side of the fabric, and iron it  
with a steam iron.  
b
To obtain optional accessories or parts, visit  
[http://www.brother.com/], or [http://  
www.brothermall.com] (in USA).  
CAUTION  
● Always use stabilizer material for  
embroidery projects. The needle may  
break or bend if you embroider without  
using a stabilizer material for thin fabrics  
or stretch fabrics. Furthermore, the  
pattern may not turn out correctly.  
1
2
3
a
b
c
Stabilizer material  
Fabric (wrong side)  
Attached surface  
†
When it cannot be ironed or placed in the  
hoop  
For fabrics, such as towels, which cannot be  
ironed or for embroidering in places where  
ironing is difficult, place the stabilizer  
material under the fabric, and stretch the  
fabric in the embroidery frame without  
attaching the stabilizer.  
Preparing the Fabric 43  
GETTING READY ————————————————————————————————————————————  
Loosen the embroidery frame adjustment  
a
screw and remove the inner and outer frames,  
placing the outer frame on a flat surface.  
Separate the inner and outer frame by removing  
inner frame upward.  
Setting the fabric in the  
embroidery frame  
The fabric is stretched in the embroidery frame. If the  
fabric is loose, the quality of the embroidery pattern  
may be poor. Put the fabric in the frame without slack  
following the steps below. Have a fabric with a  
stabilizer material attached and the embroidery frame  
(medium, small or large) ready.  
a
b
c
■ Embroidery frame (medium)  
a
b
c
Inner frame  
Patterns with a height of up to 10 cm (4 inches)  
and a width of up to 10 cm (4 inches) can be  
embroidered.  
Outer frame  
Adjustment screw  
Place the fabric with the stabilizer material on  
top of the outer frame.  
b
Have the right side of the cloth up.  
■ Embroidery frame (small) [option]  
1
Patterns with a height of up to 2 cm (1 inch) and a  
width of up to 6 cm (2-1/2 inches) can be  
embroidered. This is used for letters and other  
small embroidery.  
a
Right side  
Press the inner frame in from the top of the  
fabric.  
c
Line up  
on the inner frame and  
on  
outer frame.  
Memo  
z There are patterns for which embroidery  
frame (small) cannot be used.  
■ Embroidery frame (large) [option]  
Embroidery can be done in an area with a height  
of up to 17 cm (6-7/10 inch) and a width of up to  
10 cm (4 inch). This is used to embroider multiple  
patterns without changing the fabric position in  
the frame.  
Tighten the adjustment screw by hand just  
enough to secure the fabric.  
d
CAUTION  
● Use the embroidery frame that matches  
the size of the pattern being embroidered.  
Otherwise, the embroidery frame may be  
hit by the embroidery foot and cause  
injury or needle breakage.  
44  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Gently remove the fabric from the frame  
without loosening the adjustment screw.  
Tighten the adjustment screw while removing  
any slack in the fabric by hand. The goal is to  
have a drum-like sound when the stretched  
fabric is struck lightly.  
e
g
1
Memo  
z This precautionary step will help reduce  
pattern distortion while embroidering.  
■ Using embroidery sheets  
If the embroidery sheet attached to the embroidery  
frame is used, the pattern can be embroidered in  
exactly the right position on the fabric.  
Press the inner frame in from the top of the  
f
fabric again, lining up  
on the inner frame  
and  
on outer frame.  
Embroidery sheet  
(medium)  
Embroidery sheet (small)  
[option]  
3
Embroidery sheet (large)  
[option]  
1
2
Make a mark with a chalk pen at the center of  
the position for the pattern to be embroidered.  
a
5
4
a Outer frame  
b Inner frame  
c Fabric (right side)  
a
d Stabilizer material  
e Ledge of outer frame  
• Press down firmly until the inner frame is  
securely pressed against the ledge of the  
outer frame.  
b
a
b
Embroidery pattern  
Mark  
Preparing the Fabric 45  
GETTING READY ————————————————————————————————————————————  
Place the embroidery sheet on the inner frame.  
■ Embroidery on fabrics that cannot be stretched  
b
on an embroidery frame  
a
When small pieces of fabric that cannot be  
stretched on an embroidery frame or thin pieces  
like ribbon are being embroidered, use stabilizer  
material as a base to stretch on the frame. We  
recommend stabilizer material for all embroidery.  
b
a
a Embroidery sheet  
b Inner frame  
b
c
Line the mark on the fabric up with the base  
line on the embroidery sheet.  
c
a
a
c
b
b
a Base line  
b Mark  
a
c
Place the inner frame with the fabric on the  
outer frame and stretch the fabric.  
d
e
• For details, refer to page 44.  
Remove the embroidery sheet.  
a
b
c
Stabilizer material  
Tack or spray glue  
Fabric  
After completing the embroidery, remove the  
stabilizer material carefully.  
46  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Attaching the Embroidery Frame  
This section describes how to attach the embroidery frame.  
Firmly insert the embroidery frame guide into  
the embroidery carriage frame holder from the  
top.  
1
e
Attaching the embroidery frame  
Line up the embroidery frame guide tabs and  
the embroidery carriage frame holder slots and  
push in until it clicks and stops.  
Wind the embroidery bobbin thread onto the  
bobbin and set it into the bobbin case.  
• For details, refer to "Winding/Installing the  
Bobbin" (page 29).  
a
a
Raise the presser foot lever.  
b
a
a Presser foot lever  
b
Press  
(Needle position button) once or  
c
a
b
Embroidery frame guide tabs  
Embroidery carriage frame holder slots  
twice to raise the needle.  
a
X The embroidery unit is attached.  
Note  
z Be sure to insert both pins. If only the  
forward or the back pin is inserted, the  
pattern may not turn out correctly.  
a Needle position button  
Pass the embroidery frame under the presser  
foot while raising the presser foot lever even  
further.  
CAUTION  
d
● Correctly set the embroidery frame into  
the embroidery frame holder. Otherwise,  
the embroidery foot may hit the  
embroidery frame, resulting in injury.  
CAUTION  
● Do not touch the start/stop button or  
needle position button. If one of the  
buttons is accidentally pressed, the  
machine will move and your finger may  
be pricked with the needle or the needle  
may break.  
Attaching the Embroidery Frame 47  
GETTING READY ————————————————————————————————————————————  
Pass the embroidery frame under the presser  
foot while raising the presser foot lever even  
d
Removing the embroidery  
frame  
further.  
Make sure that the machine is completely stopped  
and follow the instructions below.  
Raise the presser foot lever.  
a
a
Remove the embroidery frame.  
e
a Presser foot lever  
CAUTION  
Press  
(Needle position button) once or  
● Do not touch the start/stop button or  
needle position button. If one of the  
buttons is accidentally pressed, the  
machine will move and your finger may  
be pricked with the needle or the needle  
may break.  
b
twice to raise the needle.  
a
a Needle position button  
Press the part of the embroidery frame holder  
to the left side as shown in the figure below,  
and raise the embroidery frame.  
c
a Press here to remove.  
X The embroidery frame will separate from the  
embroidery frame holder.  
48  
2
EMBROIDERY  
The steps for embroidering are described in this chapter.  
Selecting Embroidery Patterns.................................................................................50  
Embroidering...........................................................................................................57  
Editing and Saving Patterns .....................................................................................61  
Using the Memory Function....................................................................................69  
EMBROIDERY —————————————————————————————————————————————  
Selecting Embroidery Patterns  
This section provides details on the various types of embroidery patterns available and the procedure for  
selecting a pattern.  
Copyright information  
Embroidery pattern types  
The patterns saved in the machine and embroidery  
cards are intended for private use only. Any public or  
commercial use of copyrighted patterns is an  
infringement of copyright law and is strictly  
prohibited.  
An embroidery pattern can be selected from the  
following types available.  
c
b
a
d
f
e
a Embroidery patterns  
There are total 70 patterns. The patterns are  
completed by changing the upper thread  
according to the instructions displayed on the  
screen.  
For details, refer to "Selecting an embroidery  
pattern"(page 54).  
b Alphanumeric character patterns  
There are 5 types of characters: upper case/lower  
case/numbers/symbols/European characters.  
For details, refer to "Selecting alphanumeric  
characters" (page 53).  
c Frame patterns  
10 shapes, such as squares and circles, can be  
combined with 12 stitch types.  
For details, refer to "Selecting a frame pattern"  
(page 55).  
d Embroidery card  
Press when selecting patterns from an embroidery  
card.  
For details, refer to "Using an embroidery card"  
(page 55).  
e Patterns saved in the machine's memory  
Press when retrieving patterns from the machine's  
memory.  
For details, refer to "Saving patterns" (page 70).  
f Patterns retrieved from the computer  
Patterns retrieved from a computer can be  
embroidered.  
For details, refer to "Retrieving embroidery  
patterns from the computer" (page 71).  
50  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
NEEDLE COUNT: Needle progress number  
Setting for embroidering  
† Setting the display while embroidering  
Press  
(
Settings key) and then  
(Next page  
.
key). Then, select the item by pressing  
NAME OF COLOR: Typical color name  
2
#123: Thread color number  
TIME: Time required for embroidering  
Select from the following thread color number  
sets (The display above is an example when  
EMBROIDERY (POLYESTER) THREAD# is  
selected.)  
•EMBROIDERY (POLYESTER) THREAD#  
•COUNTRY (COTTON) THREAD#  
•MADEIRA POLY THREAD#  
•MADEIRA RAYON THREAD#  
•SULKY THREAD#  
•ROBISON-ANTON POLY THREAD#  
Selecting Embroidery Patterns 51  
EMBROIDERY —————————————————————————————————————————————  
DISPLAY UNIT  
The measurement units that are displayed can  
be selected. [mm/inch]  
Press this key to change the thread settings.  
Press this key to select or cancel  
programmed thread cutting. When  
programmed thread cutting is set, the  
thread is cut automatically after  
reinforcement.  
Press  
or  
to change the thread  
density (characters and frame  
patterns only).  
■ LCD button  
Example: Selecting alphanumeric characters  
Press this key to adjust the pattern.  
When a specific pattern is selected,  
press this key and then, press  
Press this key when you want to change  
the color, character by character in  
character embroidery. Since the machine  
stops at the end of each character, the  
upper thread is changed as you embroider.  
Press this key again to cancel multi-color.  
to switch the display. The  
settings such as the specified  
alphanumeric character string and  
color are confirmed.  
The needle progresses one color or  
one stitch (if pressed continuously, 9  
stitches to 30 stitches) at a time and  
changes the position for starting the  
embroidery. This is used when a  
specific color is not embroidered or  
when restarting the machine after  
power has been turned off in the  
middle of the operation.  
52  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Selecting alphanumeric  
characters  
Specify the characters for embroidery.  
Memo  
z When "The pattern is too large for the  
embroidery frame" is displayed, no more  
characters can be entered.  
z Characters of different style (sans serif, serif  
and outline, etc.) cannot be combined.  
Back one color  
Forward one color  
2
Back one stitch  
Select the alphanumeric characters.  
Forward one stitch  
a
• For details, refer to "Resewing" (page 66).  
The position of the pattern within the  
embroidery frame can be checked,  
and the size and angle can be  
changed.  
For details, refer to "Adjusting the  
layout and the size" (page 61).  
Select the character style.  
b
Enter the characters.  
c
Memo  
Memo  
z Keys that appear surrounded with a dotted  
z If a wrong character is selected, press  
z To enter a space, press "_".  
.
line (ex.  
) cannot be used.  
Example: Selecting an embroidery pattern  
†
Example: Come on  
Switch between uppercase/  
lowercase  
Press this key to check the order of  
multi color. Press  
switch the display.  
to  
Switch among large/medium/small  
sizes  
Selecting Embroidery Patterns 53  
EMBROIDERY —————————————————————————————————————————————  
Selecting an embroidery pattern  
There are 70 embroidery patterns, such as flowers  
and animals, saved in the machine's memory.  
70 Embroidery patterns  
Memo  
z Refer to "Embroidery Pattern Color Change  
Table" in the Quick reference guide for  
samples of completed patterns and the  
thread used.  
Press  
.
a
X The pattern selection screen is displayed.  
Select the pattern.  
Switch the screen using  
b
(Previous page  
key) and  
(Next page key).  
When  
/
is pressed, the display of  
patterns moves backward/forward 10 patterns.  
X
When a pattern is selected, it can be embroidered.  
Memo  
z The character pattern you created can be  
saved for later use. For details, refer to  
"Saving patterns" (page 70).  
54  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Selecting a frame pattern  
10 shapes, such as squares and circles, can be  
combined with 12 stitch types.  
Memo  
z Refer to "Frame patterns" in the Quick  
Using an embroidery card  
reference guide for frame pattern shapes and  
stitches.  
If an embroidery card is used, you can embroider  
patterns other than the patterns saved in the machine.  
There are various cards with different themes.  
2
Press  
.
a
X The frame shape selection screen is  
Note  
displayed.  
z Always turn off the machine to insert and  
remove embroidery cards.  
Select the frame shape.  
Switch the screen using  
z Insert the embroidery card into the  
embroidery card slot, facing it in the right  
direction.  
z Do not put anything other than an  
embroidery card in the embroidery card slot.  
z When embroidery cards are not in use, keep  
them in their storage cases.  
b
(Previous page  
key) and  
(Next page key), and select  
from the 10 types.  
z Use only embroidery cards manufactured for  
this machine. Using unauthorized cards may  
cause your machine to operate incorrectly.  
z Embroidery cards purchased in foreign  
countries may not work with your machine.  
Turn off the machine.  
a
X The stitch selection screen is displayed.  
Select the stitch.  
Switch the screen using  
c
(Previous page  
key) and  
(Next page key), and select  
from the 12 stitches.  
X When a stitch is selected, it can be  
embroidered.  
Selecting Embroidery Patterns 55  
EMBROIDERY —————————————————————————————————————————————  
Insert the embroidery card in the embroidery  
b
card slot on the right side of the machine.  
Face the arrow on the embroidery card toward  
you, and insert it in the direction of the arrow.  
Turn on the machine.  
c
Press  
on the screen.  
d
X This selection screen for the patterns saved  
in the card is displayed.  
Select a pattern.  
The operation is the same as in "Selecting an  
e
embroidery pattern" (page 54).  
56  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Embroidering  
After the preparations are done, you can try embroidering. This section describes the steps for embroidering and appliquéing.  
Note  
z Before embroidering, check that there is enough thread in the bobbin. If you continue embroidering  
without enough thread in the bobbin, the thread may tangle.  
z When embroidering on large garments (especially jackets or other heavy fabrics), do not let the fabric  
hang over the table. Otherwise, the embroidery unit cannot move freely, and the pattern may not turn  
out as planned.  
2
†
Example: Embroidery thread number selected  
Embroidering a pattern  
Embroidery patterns are embroidered with a change  
of thread after each color.  
Prepare embroidery thread of the color shown  
on the screen.  
a
c
a
b
Set the embroidery thread, and thread the needle.  
b
•
Refer to "Threading the upper thread" (page  
38).  
d
e
Embroidery frames that can be used for embroidering  
a
Note  
b Current color step/Number of colors in design  
c Current name of color  
z Before using the needle threader, be sure to  
d Current color part  
lower the embroidery foot.  
e Next color part  
• The thread color number set displayed for the  
thread colors can be changed. Press  
(Setting key), and then change the setting in  
the setting screen. For details, refer to "Setting  
for embroidering" (page 51).  
Pass the thread through the embroidery foot  
hole, and hold it lightly in your left hand.  
Give the thread a little slack.  
c
CAUTION  
● If the thread is pulled too tight, the needle  
may break or bend.  
Do not let hands or objects hit the carriage  
while embroidering. The pattern may misalign.  
●
Embroidering 57  
EMBROIDERY —————————————————————————————————————————————  
Lower the presser foot lever.  
Use scissors to cut the thread at the beginning  
of the stitching.  
d
g
Cut the thread at the edge of the stitching.  
a
a Presser foot lever  
Press  
(Start/stop button).  
e
Note  
z If the thread is left at the beginning of the  
stitching, it may be sewn over as you  
continue embroidering the pattern, making it  
very difficult to deal with the thread after the  
pattern is finished. Trim the thread at the  
beginning.  
a
a Start/stop button  
Press  
(Start/stop button) again.  
h
X
The embroidery starts again and stops  
automatically with reinforcement after one  
color has been completed. When  
Note  
z Do not leave objects in the range of motion  
of the embroidery frame. The frame may  
strike the object and cause a poor finish to  
the embroidery pattern.  
programmed thread cutting is set, the thread is  
cut automatically after reinforcement. In this  
case, go to step  
j
.
Press  
(Thread cutter button) once.  
i
CAUTION  
● Use the embroidery frame that matches  
the size of the pattern being embroidered.  
Otherwise, the embroidery frame may be  
hit by the embroidery foot and cause  
injury or needle breakage.  
a
a
Thread cutter button  
After progressing 5-6 stitches, press  
f
(Start/stop button) to stop the machine.  
X The needle is raised and the threads are cut.  
Raise the presser foot lever.  
j
a
a
Presser foot lever  
Memo  
z If the embroidery foot is not raised, the  
upper thread cannot be replaced.  
58  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Remove the upper thread.  
k
Appliquéing  
Note  
Prepare the base fabric and the appliqué fabric  
z Be sure to raise the presser foot lever before  
(appliqué piece). Press  
(Settings key), and set  
removing the upper thread. If you remove  
the upper thread with the embroidery foot  
lowered, it may cause malfunction.  
the thread color display to NAME OF COLOR, so  
"APPLIQUE MATERIAL", "APPLIQUE POSITION" and  
"APPLIQUE" are displayed on the screen.  
Set up embroidery thread for the next color,  
Select an appliqué pattern.  
l
a
and repeat steps  
b
through  
h
.
2
X When the last color is embroidered,  
"Finished sewing." will appear on the  
display. Press  
, and the display will  
return to the initial screen.  
Cut the excess thread.  
m
X "APPLIQUE MATERIAL" is displayed on the  
screen.  
Memo  
z For the programmed thread cutting setting,  
refer to "Setting for embroidering" (page 52).  
Apply iron-on stabilizer to the back of the  
appliqué piece fabric, and stretch it on the  
b
embroidery frame.  
Lower the presser foot lever, and press  
(Start/stop button).  
c
X The cut-out for the appliqué piece is sewn,  
and the machine stops.  
a
b
a
b
Cut-out line  
Appliqué piece fabric  
X "APPLIQUE POSITION" will be displayed on  
the screen.  
Embroidering 59  
EMBROIDERY —————————————————————————————————————————————  
Remove the fabric from the embroidery frame,  
and cut it out along the cut-out line.  
Cut carefully along the stitching and remove  
the thread.  
Apply a thin layer of fabric glue or spray  
adhesive to the back of the appliqué piece, and  
attach it in the appliqué position.  
d
h
Lower the presser foot lever, and press  
(Start/stop button).  
• If it is not cut right on the stitching, it will not  
be finished neatly.  
i
Stretch the base fabric on the embroidery  
frame.  
e
Set up the thread for appliquéing.  
f
g
Lower the presser foot lever, and press  
(Start/stop button).  
X The position for the appliqué is stitched, and  
the machine stops.  
X The position for the appliqué is stitched, and  
the machine stops. "APPLIQUE" will be  
displayed on the screen.  
Memo  
z When "APPLIQUE MATERIAL", "APPLIQUE  
POSITION" and "APPLIQUE" are displayed,  
a specific color thread does not appear. Use  
a proper color thread to match the appliqué  
piece.  
a
Follow the instructions on the screen, and  
change thread colors as you embroider.  
j
b
a Appliqué position  
b Base fabric  
60  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Editing and Saving Patterns  
This section describes ways to edit, adjust, reposition and memorize patterns.  
Check and adjust the layout.  
c
Adjusting the layout  
and the size  
The pattern is normally positioned in the center of the  
embroidery frame. You can check the layout before  
starting embroidery and change the position and the  
size.  
2
Memo  
z Keys that appear surrounded with a dotted  
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
Layout within the frame  
Display unit (cm/INCH)  
Available embroidery frames  
Change position keys  
Size key/Layout key  
Rotation key  
Horizontal mirror image key  
Trial key  
Starting point key  
line (ex.  
) cannot be used.  
After selecting the embroidery pattern, press  
.
a
X The embroidering screen is displayed.  
Distance from the center  
Embroidery size  
Embroidery frame size  
The size of embroidery frame that can be  
used is displayed. When the smaller mark  
is grayed out in the display, embroidery  
frame (small) cannot be used. These icons  
flash if the pattern was resized, the layout  
was adjusted, or the recommended  
embroidery frame size was changed.  
Press  
.
b
CAUTION  
● Use the embroidery frame that matches  
the size of the pattern being embroidered.  
Otherwise, the embroidery frame may be  
hit by the embroidery foot and cause  
injury or needle breakage.  
X The layout screen is displayed.  
Editing and Saving Patterns 61  
EMBROIDERY —————————————————————————————————————————————  
Size key  
Rotates the pattern 90 degrees to the left  
Increases/decreases the size of  
the pattern. Press  
to the previous screen.  
to return  
Rotates the pattern 90 degrees to the right  
Rotates the pattern 10 degrees to the left  
Rotates the pattern 10 degrees to the right  
Rotates the pattern 1 degree to the left  
Rotates the pattern 1degree to the right  
Decreases size  
Returns to original size. When  
the pattern was moved with the  
change position keys, it returns to  
its original position.  
Returns the pattern to its original positio  
n
Increases size  
Memo  
Change position keys  
Moves the embroidery position up, down,  
left and right.  
zWhen the pattern is larger than 10cm (4  
inches) x 10cm (4 inches), there may be a  
case that the pattern cannot be rotated.  
Horizontal mirror image key  
Mirrors the pattern left and right.  
Memo  
z If you change the size of the pattern or  
reverse it, the embroidery which have been  
moved will return to its initial position. Use  
the Change position keys after you have  
changed the size of the pattern or reversed it.  
z The embroidery patterns you have edited or  
adjusted can be saved in the machine’s  
memory. For details, refer to "Saving  
patterns" (page 70).  
Memo  
z Mirroring patterns is possible only for a  
embroidery pattern or a frame pattern.  
Starting point stitching key  
Switches the stitching starting  
point between center and lower  
left of the design.  
Layout key  
Press this key to move to rotation  
screen.  
•Press  
previous screen.  
(Back key) to return to the  
Trial key  
Moves the frame to check the  
pattern position.  
Rotation key  
Rotates the pattern 1 degree, 10  
degrees or 90 degrees at a time.  
Press  
(Back key) to return  
to the previous screen.  
62  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
CAUTION  
Memo  
z If the stitches appear loose, turn the tension  
● Never lower the needle when the  
embroidery frame is moving. The needle  
may break or bend.  
up one notch and resew.  
■ Correct thread tension  
● When you have revised the pattern, check  
the display of available embroidery  
frames and use an appropriate frame. If  
you use an embroidery frame not  
displayed as available for use, the  
embroidery foot may strike the frame and  
possibly cause injury.  
The thread tension is correct when upper thread  
slightly appears on the wrong side of fabric.  
2
a
b
a
b
Right side of fabric  
Wrong side of fabric  
■ Upper thread is too tight  
Press  
previous screen.  
(Back key) to return to the  
d
The lower thread will be visible on the right side of  
fabric. If this occurs, decrease the upper thread  
tension.  
b
a
Right side of fabric  
Wrong side of fabric  
a
b
Memo  
■ Upper thread is too loose  
z When the machine is turned off, the layout  
returns to the original setting.  
The upper thread has slack. If this occurs, increase  
the upper thread tension.  
z You can also check the pattern size and  
distance from the center by pressing  
after beginning embroidering.  
z The embroidery patterns you have edited or  
adjusted can be saved in the machine’s  
memory. For details, refer to "Saving  
patterns" (page 70).  
a
Right side of fabric  
Wrong side of fabric  
b
a
b
Note  
z If the upper thread is not threaded correctly  
or the bobbin is not installed correctly, it  
may not be possible to set the correct thread  
tension. If the correct thread tension cannot  
be achieved, rethread the upper thread and  
insert the bobbin correctly.  
Adjusting the upper thread  
tension  
If embroidery fails, it is difficult to undo the thread  
and the fabric may be damaged.  
Before embroidering, use a scrap of the same fabric  
to check the adjustment of the thread tension, etc.  
z If the tension dial is set extremely low, the  
machine may stop stitching during  
embroidering. This is not a sign that  
anything's broken. Simply increase the  
tension slightly to continue embroidering.  
The upper thread tension is changed using the thread  
tension dial.  
When doing machine embroidery, the tension dial  
should be set somewhere between 2 to 6.  
a
b
c
a Loose (Decrease thread tension)  
b Tight (Increase thread tension)  
c Upper thread tension dial  
Editing and Saving Patterns 63  
EMBROIDERY —————————————————————————————————————————————  
■ Bobbin thread is too loose  
Adjusting the bobbin thread  
tension  
Bobbin thread appears slightly on the right side of  
fabric.  
The bobbin case installed in this machine can be  
adjusted, if necessary, to accommodate the bobbin  
tension for embroidering.  
Using a small slotted screwdriver, turn the slotted-  
head (-) screw to adjust the bobbin case tension.  
a
b
a
b
Right side of fabric  
Wrong side of fabric  
If this occurs, turn the slotted-head screw (-)  
clockwise, being careful not to over-tighten the  
screw, approximately 30-45 degrees to increase  
bobbin tension.  
1
2
a Do not turn a phillips screw (+).  
b Adjust with a screwdriver (small).  
■ Correct thread tension  
The thread tension is correct when upper thread  
slightly appears on the wrong side of fabric.  
CAUTION  
● When adjusting the bobbin case, be sure  
to remove the bobbin from the bobbin  
case.  
● DO NOT adjust the position of the  
Phillips (+) screw on the bobbin case as  
this may result in damage to the bobbin  
case, rendering it unusable.  
● If the slotted-head screw (-) is difficult to  
turn, do not use force. Turning the screw  
too much or providing force in either  
(rotational) direction may cause damage  
to the bobbin case. Should damage occur,  
the bobbin case may not maintain proper  
tension.  
a
b
a Right side of fabric  
b Wrong side of fabric  
■ Bobbin thread is too tight  
Upper thread on the right side of fabric seems to  
be lifting/looping and bobbin thread is not seen on  
the wrong side of fabric.  
b
a
a Right side of fabric  
b Wrong side of fabric  
If this occurs, turn the slotted-head screw (-)  
counterclockwise being careful not to over-loosen  
the screw, approximately 30-45 degrees to  
decrease bobbin tension.  
64  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Press  
to turn it to  
.
f
Connecting character patterns  
If the character pattern is too long to fit in the  
embroidery frame, follow the steps below.  
Example: Connecting "ABC" with "DEF"  
Enter "ABC" and press  
.
X The stitching starting point is set to lower left  
a
of the design.  
Lower the embroidery foot, and then press  
(Start/stop switch) to begin embroidering.  
2
g
h
When embroidering is finished, trim the thread  
leaving the end of the thread longer than usual.  
Then reset the fabric in the embroidery frame,  
in a position where you can embroider "DEF".  
Press  
cutting (  
to turn off the programmed thread  
).  
b
b
a
Embroidery start position  
Embroidery end position  
a
b
Press  
(Back key).  
Enter "DEF" and press  
.
c
i
j
k
Press  
.
Press  
.
d
Press  
to turn it to  
.
Press  
.
e
X The stitching starting point is set to lower left  
of the design.  
Editing and Saving Patterns 65  
EMBROIDERY —————————————————————————————————————————————  
Resewing  
Use  
(change position keys) to move  
l
the needle to the embroidery end position of  
"ABC".  
When the wrong upper thread color has been sewn,  
it can be resewn with the correct color.  
Press  
machine.  
(Start/stop button) to stop the  
.
a
b
Press  
Press  
Press  
a
a
Embroidery end position  
Lower the embroidery foot, and then press  
(Start/Stop button) to embroider "DEF".  
m
.
c
When you have finished embroidering, cut the  
thread.  
n
(Back one color) to return to the  
d
beginning of the mistaken color. Press  
one more time to go to previous color.  
Set up the correct color for the upper thread.  
e
f
Press  
(Start/stop button) to continue the  
design.  
66  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Stopping while embroidering  
Thread runs out partway  
through a design  
If the embroidery is stopped before it is complete,  
check the current needle count and layout before  
turning off the machine.  
When the upper thread or the bobbin thread runs out while  
embroidering, the machine stops. Move the needle back  
about 10 stitches and resume embroidering  
.
Memo  
Memo  
z When the machine is turned off, the  
embroidery size and layout return to the  
original setting. If you have changed the  
layout, you need to adjust it again.  
z When the bobbin thread runs out, cut the  
threads and remove the embroidery frame  
before replacing the bobbin thread.  
2
Set the upper thread or bobbin thread.  
a
b
Press  
machine.  
(Start/stop button) to stop the  
a
b
Press  
.
Check the current needle count on the screen  
and make a note of it.  
Memo  
z If the needle count is not displayed, display  
the needle count on the screen. For details,  
refer to "Stopping while embroidering" (page  
67).  
If the needle count is not displayed, press  
(Settings key), and then use  
display the following screen.  
to  
Press  
.
Press  
to return to the previous screen.  
c
Press  
(Back one stitch) to move the  
d
needle back about 10 stitches.  
(Forward one stitch) increases the stitch  
number.  
Press  
(Embroidery key).  
c
Restart the embroidery.  
e
X The confirmation message is displayed.  
Editing and Saving Patterns 67  
EMBROIDERY —————————————————————————————————————————————  
Press Press  
.
.
d
h
X The selected pattern is deleted, and the  
screen for selecting the embroidery pattern  
type is displayed.  
Press  
(Forward one color) to move to  
i
the beginning of the color you want to  
embroider.  
Turn off the machine.  
e
Press  
the needle count.  
If  
(Forward one stitch) to increase  
Note  
j
z Always remove the embroidery unit when  
you move the machine.  
is pressed continuously, it moves  
forward 1 —> 9 —>30 stitches.  
Turn on the machine, and then select the  
pattern.  
f
Memo  
z If you have changed the embroidery size  
and/or layout before turning off the machine,  
make the same setting changes again before  
restarting embroidering. For details, refer to  
"Adjusting the layout and the size" (page 61).  
Move forward to about 10 stitches before the  
total number of stitches confirmed in  
b
.
Press  
.
g
Restart the embroidery.  
k
68  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Using the Memory Function  
Embroidery data precautions  
Observe the following precautions when using embroidery data other than that created and saved in this  
machine.  
CAUTION  
2
● When using embroidery data other than our original patterns, the thread or needle may break  
when sewing with a stitch density that is too fine or when sewing three or more overlapping  
stitches. In that case, use one of our original data design systems to edit the embroidery data.  
■ Types of Embroidery Data that can be Used  
• Only .pes and .dst embroidery data files can be used with this machine. Using data other than that saved  
using our data design systems or machines may cause the embroidery machine to malfunction.  
■ Computers and Operating Systems with the Following Specifications can be Used  
• Compatible models:  
IBM PC with a USB port as standard equipment  
IBM PC-compatible computer equipped with a USB port as standard equipment  
• Compatible operating systems:  
Microsoft Windows Me/Windows 2000/Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7  
(Windows 98SE requires a driver. Download the driver from our web site “ http://solutions.brother.com ”.)  
■ Precautions on Using the Computer to Create and Save Data  
• If the file name of embroidery data cannot be identified, for example, because the name contains special  
characters, the file is not displayed. If this occurs, change the name of the file. We recommend using the  
26 letters of the alphabet (uppercase and lowercase), the numbers 0 through 9, “-”, and “_”.  
• .pes files saved with the number of stitches, the number of colors and the number of combined patterns  
exceeding the specified limits cannot be displayed. Use one of our original data design systems to edit the  
embroidery pattern so that it meets the specifications.  
• Do not create folders in “Removable Disk” on a computer. If embroidery data is saved in a folder in  
“Removable Disk”, that embroidery data cannot be retrieved by the machine.  
• Even if the embroidery unit is not attached, the machine will manage embroidery data.  
■ Tajima (.dst) Embroidery Data  
• .dst data is displayed in the pattern list screen by file name (the actual image cannot be displayed). Only  
the first eight characters of the file name can be displayed.  
• Since Tajima (.dst) data does not contain specific thread color information, it is displayed with our default  
thread color sequence. Check the preview and change the thread colors as desired.  
■ Trademarks  
• IBM is a registered trademark or a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.  
• Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.  
Each company whose software title is mentioned in this manual has a Software License Agreement specific  
to its proprietary programs.  
All other brands and product names mentioned in this manual are registered trademarks of their respective  
®
™
companies. However, the explanations for markings such as and are not clearly described within the text.  
Using the Memory Function 69  
EMBROIDERY —————————————————————————————————————————————  
Select the pattern you wish to retrieve.  
b
Saving patterns  
Switch screens using  
(Previous page key)  
and  
(Next page key).  
The embroidery patterns and the alphanumeric  
characters you have customized can be saved in the  
machine's memory.  
a
Since the saved patterns will not be erased when the  
power is turned off, you can always retrieve them for  
embroidery. This is convenient for saving names and  
the like. You can save up to 12 patterns or 512KB of  
data.  
b
■ Saving a pattern  
a
b
Total amount of memory used/Total amount of  
memory space  
Number of the currently displayed page from the  
total number of pages  
After selecting the pattern to be saved, press  
a
(Memory key).  
X The selected pattern is shown in reverse  
highlighting.  
Press  
.
c
To delete the saved pattern, press  
.
X "Saving..." appears while the pattern is being  
saved. After the pattern is saved, the initial  
screen appears again.  
Note  
z Do not turn off the machine while the  
pattern is being saved, otherwise the pattern  
data may be lost.  
X The saved pattern is retrieved.  
X The embroidery screen appears, and you  
can embroider the retrieved pattern.  
■ Retrieving a pattern  
Press  
(Retrieve key).  
a
X The saved patterns are displayed.  
70  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
The "Removable Disk" icon appears in "My  
Computer" on the computer.  
b
Retrieving embroidery  
patterns from the computer  
Plug the USB cable connectors into the  
corresponding USB port connectors on the  
a
computer and on the machine.  
a
b
2
Copy the pattern data to “Removable Disk”.  
c
b
a
a USB port connector for computer  
b USB cable connector  
X Pattern data in “Removable Disk” is written  
to the machine.  
Note  
Memo  
z While data is being written, do not  
disconnect the USB cable.  
z
z The USB cable can be plugged into the USB  
port connectors on the computer and  
machine whether or not they are turned on.  
z Embroidery patterns can be retrieved with or  
without the embroidery unit attached to the  
machine.  
Do not create folders within “Removable  
Disk”. Since folders are not displayed, pattern  
data within folders cannot be retrieved.  
While the machine is embroidering, do not  
write data to or delete data from “Removable  
Disk”.  
z
Press  
.
d
X The saved patterns are displayed.  
Using the Memory Function 71  
EMBROIDERY —————————————————————————————————————————————  
Select the pattern you wish to retrieve.  
e
Note  
Switch screens using  
(Previous page key)  
z If there are 13 or more patterns saved in  
“Removable Disk”, the patterns cannot be  
displayed. When the message “Reduce the  
number of patterns. Only up to 12 patterns  
can be handled.” appears, delete patterns  
from “Removable Disk” so that it contains  
no more than 12 patterns. Then, close the  
error message, repeat the procedure starting  
and (Next page key).  
b
a
from step  
d
and then press  
to retrieve  
the pattern.  
c
z If patterns copied to “Removable Disk” are  
not saved in the machine's memory, their  
data is lost when the machine is turned off.  
In order to retrieve patterns directly from the  
machine the next time that they are needed,  
save the data in the machine's memory  
before turning off the machine. For details,  
refer to “Saving patterns” (page 70).  
a Total amount of memory used  
b Total amount of memory space  
c Number of the currently displayed page from the  
total number of pages  
X The selected pattern is shown in reverse  
highlighting.  
Press  
.
f
X The saved pattern is retrieved.  
X The embroidery screen appears, and you  
can embroider the retrieved pattern.  
Adjust the pattern as desired, and then begin  
embroidering.  
g
72  
3
APPENDIX  
The various maintenance and troubleshooting procedures are described in this chapter.  
Care and Maintenance ............................................................................................74  
Attaching the Embroidery Foot................................................................................76  
Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................78  
Upgrading Your Machine's Software.......................................................................86  
Index .......................................................................................................................87  
APPENDIX ——————————————————————————————————————————————  
Care and Maintenance  
Simple machine maintenance operations are described below.  
Loosen the needle clamp screw and remove  
the needle (page 28).  
d
Cleaning the machine surface  
a
If the surface of the machine is dirty, lightly soak a  
cloth in neutral detergent, squeeze it out firmly, and  
then wipe the surface of the machine. After cleaning  
it once with a damp cloth, wipe it again with a dry  
cloth.  
b
CAUTION  
a
b
Screwdriver  
Needle clamp screw  
● Unplug the power supply cord before  
cleaning the machine. Otherwise, injuries  
or an electric shock may occur.  
Grasp both sides of the needle plate cover, and  
then slide it toward you.  
e
Cleaning the race  
Embroidery performance will suffer if dust collects in  
the bobbin case. Therefore, it should be cleaned  
periodically.  
a
Turn off the machine.  
a
Needle plate cover  
a
X The needle plate cover is removed.  
Remove the bobbin case.  
Grasp the bobbin case, and then pull it out.  
f
Unplug the power supply cord from the power  
supply jack on the right side of the machine.  
b
CAUTION  
a
● Unplug the power supply cord before  
cleaning the machine. Otherwise, injuries  
or an electric shock may occur.  
a
Bobbin case  
Remove the embroidery unit.  
c
74  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Use the cleaning brush or a vacuum cleaner to  
remove any lint and dust from the race and  
bobbin thread sensor and their surrounding  
area.  
Insert the tabs on the needle plate cover into  
the needle plate, and then slide the cover back  
on.  
g
i
a
c
a
b
a Needle plate cover  
a
b
c
Cleaning brush  
Race  
Bobbin thread sensor  
CAUTION  
Note  
● Never use a bobbin case that is scratched.  
Otherwise, the upper thread may become  
tangled, the needle may break or  
z Do not apply oil to the bobbin case.  
3
z If lint or dust collects on the bobbin thread  
sensor, the sensor may not operate correctly.  
embroidering performance may suffer.  
For a new bobbin case (part code:  
XD1855-351), contact your nearest  
authorized service center.  
Insert the bobbin case so that the U mark on  
the bobbin case aligns with the { mark on the  
race.  
h
● Be sure that the bobbin case is correctly  
installed, otherwise the needle may break.  
a
b
a
b
• Align the U and { marks.  
c
a
b
c
U mark  
{ mark  
Bobbin case  
• Make sure that the indicated points are  
aligned before installing the bobbin case.  
Care and Maintenance 75  
APPENDIX ——————————————————————————————————————————————  
Attaching the Embroidery Foot  
This section describes how to attach the embroidery foot "Q".  
Turn off the machine.  
b
Attaching the embroidery foot  
If you need to replace the embroidery foot, attach the  
embroidery foot "Q" as follows.  
CAUTION  
a
z Before attaching the embroidery foot, be  
b
sure to turn off the machine. Otherwise,  
injuries may occur if one of the operation  
buttons is accidentally pressed and the  
machine starts embroidering.  
a Embroidery foot bar  
b Caught by the presser foot holder screw  
CAUTION  
● Always use the embroidery foot "Q" when  
embroidering. If the wrong embroidery  
foot is used, the needle may hit the  
embroidery foot and bend or break.  
Raise the presser foot lever.  
c
Press  
(Needle position button) once or  
a
a
twice to raise the needle.  
a
a
Presser foot lever  
Hold the embroidery foot "Q" with your right  
hand, as shown.  
d
Hold the embroidery foot with your index  
finger wrapped around the lever at the back of  
the foot.  
a Needle position button  
a
Note  
z The needle is correctly raised when the mark  
on the handwheel is at the top. Check the  
handwheel mark is at the top position.  
a
Lever  
76  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
While pressing in the lever with your finger, fit  
the embroidery foot bar over the needle clamp  
e
CAUTION  
screw to attach the embroidery foot to the  
● Do not hit the needle with your finger or  
the embroidery foot when attaching it.  
The needle may break or cause injury.  
● Be sure to tighten the screw with the  
included screwdriver. If the screw is  
loose, the needle may hit the embroidery  
foot and break or bend.  
presser foot bar.  
c
b
a
●
Before embroidering, always turn the  
handwheel toward you (counterclockwise)  
slowly to make sure that the needle does  
not hit the embroidery foot. The needle  
may break or bend.  
a Presser foot bar  
b Needle clamp screw  
c Embroidery foot bar  
3
Secure the embroidery foot with the presser  
foot holder screw.  
f
Set the embroidery foot perpendicular.  
a
a Presser foot holder screw  
Firmly tighten the presser foot holder screw.  
Turn the screwdriver toward the front.  
g
a
a Screwdriver  
Attaching the Embroidery Foot 77  
APPENDIX ——————————————————————————————————————————————  
Troubleshooting  
If the machine stops operating correctly, check the following possible problems before requesting service.  
You can solve most problems by yourself. If you need additional help, the Brother Solutions Center offers  
the latest FAQs and troubleshooting tips. Visit us at [http://solutions.brother.com].  
If the problem persists, contact your dealer or the nearest authorized service center.  
Symptom  
Probable Cause  
Remedy  
Reference  
page 18  
The machine is not turned on.  
Turn on the machine.  
The start/stop button was not  
pressed.  
Press the start/stop button.  
Lower the presser foot lever.  
page 58  
page 58  
The presser foot lever is raised.  
The machine does  
not operate.  
The bobbin winder shaft is on the  
right side after winding the  
bobbin.  
Slide the bobbin winder shaft to the  
left.  
page 33  
page 19  
The embroidery unit is not  
attached on the machine.  
Attach the embroidery unit.  
The needle is incorrectly installed. Correctly install the needle.  
Use the screwdriver to firmly tighten  
The needle clamp screw is loose.  
the screw.  
page 28  
The needle is bent or blunt.  
Replace the needle.  
The upper thread tension is too  
tight.  
Loosen the upper thread tension.  
page 63  
page 37  
The spool is incorrectly installed.  
The area around the hole in the  
Correctly install the spool.  
Replace the needle plate. Contact  
needle plate is scratched, or has a your dealer or the nearest authorized  
-
-
-
burr on it.  
service center.  
The needle breaks.  
The area around the hole in the  
embroidery foot is scratched, or  
has a burr on it.  
Replace the embroidery foot. Contact  
your dealer or the nearest authorized  
service center.  
Replace the bobbin case. Contact  
your dealer or the nearest authorized  
service center.  
The bobbin case is scratched, or  
has a burr on it.  
Incorrect bobbins will not work  
A bobbin designed specifically for properly. Only use a bobbin  
page 29  
page 38  
this machine is not used.  
designed specifically for this  
machine.  
The upper thread was not  
threaded correctly.  
Correct the upper threading.  
The upper thread was not  
threaded correctly (for example,  
the spool is not installed correctly, Correct the upper threading.  
The upper thread  
breaks.  
the spool cap is too big for the  
spool being used, or the thread  
has come out of the needle bar  
thread guide.)  
Use the spool cap that best fits the  
size of the spool being used.  
page 37  
78  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Symptom  
Probable Cause  
Remedy  
Reference  
-
There are knots or tangles in the  
thread.  
Remove any knots or tangles.  
The upper thread tension is too  
tight.  
Loosen the upper thread tension.  
page 63  
page 74  
Remove the tangled thread. If the  
thread is tangled in the bobbin case,  
clean the race.  
The thread is tangled, for example,  
in the bobbin case.  
The needle is bent or blunt.  
Replace the needle.  
page 28  
The upper thread  
breaks.  
The needle is incorrectly installed. Correctly install the needle.  
The area around the hole in the  
embroidery foot is scratched, or  
has a burr on it.  
Replace the embroidery foot.  
Contact your dealer or the nearest  
authorized service center.  
-
-
3
Replace the bobbin case.  
Contact your dealer or the nearest  
authorized service center.  
The bobbin case is scratched, or  
has a burr on it.  
Incorrect bobbins will not work  
A bobbin designed specifically for properly. Only use a bobbin  
page 29  
page 31  
this machine is not used.  
designed specifically for this  
machine.  
The thread is not passed through  
the bobbin-winding thread guide  
correctly.  
Correctly pass the thread through the  
bobbin-winding thread guide.  
Bobbin thread  
does not wind  
neatly on the  
bobbin.  
The thread that was pulled out  
was not wound onto the bobbin  
correctly.  
Wind the thread that was pulled off  
around the bobbin five or six times  
clockwise.  
page 32  
page 34  
The bobbin thread is incorrectly  
installed.  
Correctly install the bobbin thread.  
The bobbin is scratched or does  
not rotate smoothly, or has a burr Replace the bobbin.  
on it.  
-
The lower thread is  
tangled or breaks.  
Remove the tangled thread and clean  
the race.  
The thread is tangled.  
page 74  
Incorrect bobbins will not work  
A bobbin designed specifically for properly. Only use a bobbin  
page 29  
page 38  
this machine is not used.  
designed specifically for this  
machine.  
The thread is  
tangled on the  
The upper thread was not  
Correct the upper threading.  
wrong side of the threaded correctly.  
fabric.  
Correct the upper threading.  
Make sure that the thread is hanged  
on the thread guide spring which is  
on the left side of the thread guide  
cover.  
The upper thread was not  
threaded correctly.  
page 38,  
page 39  
The thread tension  
is incorrect.  
The bobbin thread is incorrectly  
installed.  
Correctly install the bobbin thread.  
page 34  
Troubleshooting 79  
APPENDIX ——————————————————————————————————————————————  
Symptom  
Probable Cause  
Remedy  
Reference  
page 63,  
page 64  
Adjust the tension of the upper thread  
and the bobbin thread.  
The thread tension is incorrect.  
The thread tension  
is incorrect.  
Incorrect bobbins will not work  
A bobbin designed specifically for properly. Only use a bobbin  
page 29  
this machine is not used.  
designed specifically for this  
machine.  
The upper thread is The bobbin thread is incorrectly  
Correctly install the bobbin thread.  
page 34  
page 38  
too tight.  
installed.  
The upper thread was not  
threaded correctly.  
Correct the upper threading.  
Replace the needle.  
The needle is bent or blunt.  
page 28  
page 28  
Stitches are  
skipped.  
The needle is incorrectly installed. Correctly install the needle.  
Dust has accumulated under the  
Remove the needle plate cover and  
page 74  
page 74  
page 38  
needle plate or in the bobbin case. clean the race.  
Dust has accumulated in the  
Clean the race.  
bobbin case.  
The upper thread was not  
threaded correctly.  
Correct the upper threading.  
A high-pitched  
noise is made  
while  
Replace the bobbin case.  
Contact your dealer or the nearest  
authorized service center.  
The bobbin case is scratched, or  
has a burr on it.  
-
embroidering.  
Incorrect bobbins will not work  
A bobbin designed specifically for properly. Only use a bobbin  
page 29  
this machine is not used.  
designed specifically for this  
machine.  
The needle has not been raised to  
the correct position.  
The thread does  
not pass through  
the eye of the  
needle.  
Press the needle position button.  
page 38  
page 28  
The needle is incorrectly installed. Correctly install the needle.  
page 63,  
page 64  
Adjust the tension of the upper thread  
The thread tension is incorrect.  
and the bobbin thread.  
The stitch is not  
sewn correctly.  
Remove the tangle thread. If the  
thread is tangled in the bobbin case,  
clean the race.  
The thread is tangled, for example,  
in the bobbin case.  
page 74  
page 38  
The needle  
threader lever does The needle has not been raised to  
Press the needle position button.  
not lower to the  
correct position.  
the correct position.  
Contact your dealer or the nearest  
authorized service center.  
The lamps are damaged.  
-
The lamps do not  
come on.  
The machine is not turned on.  
Turn on the machine.  
page 18  
page 85  
Nothing appears in The brightness of the LCD is either  
the LCD. too light or too dark.  
Adjust the brightness of the LCD.  
80  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Symptom  
Probable Cause  
No pattern selected.  
Remedy  
Select a pattern.  
Reference  
page 50  
Embroidery unit  
does not move.  
The embroidery unit is not set up  
correctly.  
Set the embroidery unit up correctly.  
page 19  
page 44  
page 43  
page 74  
The fabric is not fully stretched on  
the embroidery frame. The fabric  
is loose.  
Stretch the fabric properly on the  
embroidery frame.  
Always use stabilizer material for  
embroidery.  
No stabilizer material is attached.  
Remove the tangled thread. When  
the bobbin case is plugged up, clean  
the race.  
The thread is tangled and the  
bobbin case, etc., is plugged up.  
page 63,  
page 64  
Adjust the tension of the upper thread  
and the bobbin thread.  
The thread tension is incorrect.  
3
Correct the upper threading.  
Make sure that the thread is hanged  
on the thread guide spring which is  
on the left side of the thread guide  
cover.  
The upper thread was not  
threaded correctly.  
page 38,  
page 39  
The bobbin thread is incorrectly  
installed.  
Correctly install the bobbin thread.  
page 34  
page 58  
If the embroidery unit carriage or  
embroidery frame bumps into  
objects, the pattern will be  
misaligned. Do not place objects  
within the range of embroidery frame  
motion.  
Embroidery not  
neatly done.  
Objects are placed near the  
carriage or embroidery frame.  
Stretch the fabric on the frame once  
again so that the material coming out  
of the embroidery frame does not  
cause problems, rotate the pattern  
and embroider.  
Material coming out of the  
embroidery frame is causing  
problems.  
-
If embroidery is done with the fabric  
hanging off the table, the embroidery  
unit movement will be impaired.  
Support the fabric while  
A heavy fabric is being  
embroidered, and the fabric is  
hanging off the table.  
-
-
embroidering.  
The fabric is catching. It is  
pinched.  
Stop the machine and set the fabric  
up correctly.  
If the carriage is moved during the  
process, the pattern may be  
misaligned. Be careful when  
removing or attaching the  
embroidery frame.  
The carriage was moved while the  
embroidery frame was being  
removed or attached during  
embroidery.  
-
Troubleshooting 81  
APPENDIX ——————————————————————————————————————————————  
Error messages  
When erroneous operations are performed messages and advice on operation will be displayed on the  
LCD. Follow what is displayed. If you press  
message is displayed, the message disappears.  
or do the operation correctly while the error  
No  
Error Message  
Probable Cause  
1
There is a possibility that the data for the selected pattern is corrupted.  
The start/stop button was pressed at a screen other than the embroidery  
screen.  
2
3
Upper thread broken.  
Upper thread not set up correctly.  
Upper thread has run out.  
CAUTION  
Be sure to rethread the machine. If you press  
(Start/stop button)  
without rethreading the machine, the thread tension may be wrong or  
the needle may break and cause injury.  
The machine is deleting a previously saved pattern while in embroidery  
edit mode.  
4
5
6
While embroidering, data is written to the “Removable Disk” in the  
connected computer or data is deleted from the “Removable Disk”.  
on the LCD was pressed when no card was inserted.  
The start/stop button or thread cutter button was pressed while the  
embroidery foot was raised.  
7
8
The memory is full and the pattern cannot be saved.  
82  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
No  
Error Message  
Probable Cause  
You pressed the back key or the embroidery key when a pattern was  
selected.  
9
You tried to select an embroidery pattern or change the layout when  
the needle was down.  
10  
11  
12  
The machine is turned on while the needle is lowered and the  
embroidery unit is attached.  
You tried to initialize the embroidery unit with the embroidery foot  
lowered.  
3
When 13 or more patterns are in “Removable Disk”, a pattern was  
being retrieved.  
The start/stop button was pressed after selecting a pattern which is  
saved in the machine's memory or entered from the USB port without  
13  
14  
pressing  
(Retrieve key).  
The needle position button or thread cutter button was pressed while  
the bobbin winder shaft is moved to the right.  
15  
16  
17  
A pattern is being saved.  
The start/stop button was pressed when no pattern is selected.  
Bobbin thread has run out.  
Little bobbin thread remains.  
Troubleshooting 83  
APPENDIX ——————————————————————————————————————————————  
No  
Error Message  
Probable Cause  
18  
When the embroidery unit is attached.  
19  
20  
You tried to set a number of characters that will not fit within the frame.  
The upper thread has become tangled around the bobbin case, and the  
needle is bent and hitting the needle plate, etc., so the machine stops  
(refer to page 78).  
An Embroidery Memory Card that may not compatible with your  
machine has been inserted.  
• Certain licensed designs cannot be read by this machine.  
• Designs in an unacceptable card format cannot be read by this  
machine.  
21  
• Design data saved in a hoop size not compatible with your machine  
has been selected.  
22  
23  
24  
You try to retrieve a pattern downloaded as one for a different machine.  
The start/stop button, the embroidery key, or the memory key is  
pressed, but the embroidery unit is not attached.  
The embroidery key was pressed when the embroidery unit is not  
attached.  
The bobbin winder is winding the bobbin.  
84  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
■ If the machine locks up, for example, because  
the thread is tangled  
The machine beeps for four seconds and the  
Adjusting the LCD  
If nothing appears in the LCD when the machine is  
turned on, the brightness of the LCD is either too light  
or too dark. In such a case, perform the following  
operation.  
machine automatically stops.  
Be sure to check for the cause of the error, and  
correct it before continuing to embroider.  
■ Canceling the operation beep  
When the machine is purchased, it is set to beep  
each time an operation panel key is pressed. This  
setting can be changed so that the machine does  
not beep.  
Turn off the machine.  
a
Turn on the machine.  
a
Turn on the machine while pressing any of the  
b
operation panel keys except  
(Help key).  
3
X The LCD comes on.  
Press  
panel.  
(Setting key) in the operation  
b
Press  
or  
.
c
X The setting screen appears.  
Press (Next page key) twice.  
c
d
Press OFF for the buzzer.  
Turn off the machine, then turn it on again.  
d
Operation beep  
Each time a key is pressed you will hear one beep. If  
an incorrect operation is performed you will hear two  
or four beeps.  
X The screen for changing the beep setting  
appears.  
■ If a key is pressed (correct operation)  
Press  
(Back key).  
One beep sounds.  
e
■ If an incorrect operation is performed  
Two or four beeps sound.  
X The initial screen appears again.  
Troubleshooting 85  
APPENDIX ——————————————————————————————————————————————  
Upgrading Your Machine's Software  
You can use a computer to download software upgrades for your machine.  
Visit our website at "http://solutions.brother.com" for notification of available updates.  
Note  
z Be sure to download the upgrade file for this model from our web site. An upgrade file for any different  
model cannot be downloaded.  
z Refer to the "Changing the machine settings" (page 23) for how to check the version of the machine’s  
software.  
Memo  
z The embroidery pattern which is saved in the machine will not be deleted if you upgrade the software.  
z While the software is being upgraded, the buzzer will not sound when a key is pressed.  
While holding  
on the machine.  
(Help key) pressed, turn  
When the screen shown in step  
again, press  
a
appears  
a
d
.
X The following screen appears.  
X The message “Saving the upgrade file. Do  
not turn main power to OFF.” appears.  
When the following screen appears, upgrading  
is completed.  
e
Plug the USB cable connectors into the  
corresponding USB ports on the computer and  
on the machine.  
b
X The “Removable Disk” icon appears in “My  
Computer” on the computer.  
Note  
Copy the upgrade file to "Removable Disk".  
z If an error occurred, an error message  
appears. At this time, turn the machine off,  
and then start the procedure again from step  
c
a
.
Disconnect the USB cable, and turn the  
machine off, then on again.  
f
X The message “Connected to PC. Do not  
disconnect the USB cable.” appears.  
86  
————————————————————————————————————————————————————  
Index  
A
F
accessories ................................................................. 8, 9  
adjusting layout ............................................................61  
adjusting thread tension ......................................... 63, 64  
air vent .........................................................................11  
appliqué pattern selection .............................................59  
attaching stabilizer material ..........................................43  
attributes .......................................................................23  
frame pattern selection ..................................................55  
front view .....................................................................10  
H
handle ..........................................................................11  
handwheel ....................................................................11  
help key ........................................................................13  
B
I
back key .......................................................................13  
basic steps for embroidering .........................................16  
beep .............................................................................85  
bobbin ..........................................................................29  
bobbin case removal .....................................................74  
bobbin cover ................................................................11  
bobbin installation ........................................................34  
bobbin thread tension ...................................................64  
bobbin winder ..............................................................10  
bobbin winder seat .......................................................33  
bobbin winding ............................................................29  
bobbin-winding thread guide ................................. 10, 31  
buzzer ..........................................................................85  
installing bobbin ...........................................................34  
3
L
layout adjustment .........................................................61  
LCD ..............................................................................22  
LCD button ...................................................................52  
LCD messages ...............................................................82  
LCD operation ..............................................................22  
M
machine surface cleaning .............................................74  
main power switch .......................................................11  
maintenance .................................................................74  
manual needle threading ..............................................42  
memory key ..................................................................13  
C
care ..............................................................................74  
checking needle ............................................................27  
cleaning bobbin case ....................................................74  
cleaning brush ................................................................8  
cleaning machine surface .............................................74  
connecting character patterns .......................................65  
country thread ................................................ 23, 26, 51  
N
needle bar thread guide ................................................11  
needle condition ...........................................................27  
needle plate ..................................................................11  
needle plate cover ........................................................11  
needle position button ..................................................12  
needle replacement ......................................................28  
needle set .......................................................................8  
needle threader lever ....................................................10  
needle threading ...........................................................37  
needles .........................................................................27  
next page key ................................................................13  
E
embroidering ......................................................... 16, 57  
embroidering pattern ....................................................57  
embroidery card ...........................................................55  
embroidery card slot .............................................. 11, 56  
embroidery character selection .....................................53  
embroidery data ............................................................69  
embroidery foot installation ..........................................76  
embroidery frame .........................................................44  
embroidery frame installation .......................................47  
embroidery frame removal ............................................48  
embroidery key .............................................................13  
embroidery pattern selection .........................................50  
embroidery pattern types ..............................................50  
embroidery set ................................................................8  
embroidery sheet ..........................................................45  
embroidery threads .......................................................26  
embroidery unit connector slot .....................................10  
embroidery unit installation ..........................................19  
embroidery unit removal ...............................................21  
error messages ..............................................................82  
O
operation beep ..............................................................85  
operation buttons ................................................... 10, 12  
operation keys ..............................................................13  
operation panel ...................................................... 10, 13  
operation problems .......................................................78  
operations .....................................................................25  
optional accessories ........................................................9  
P
pattern embroidery .......................................................57  
Index 87  
APPENDIX ——————————————————————————————————————————————  
pattern retrieving .................................................... 70, 71  
plug ..............................................................................18  
power supply cord ........................................................18  
power supply jack .........................................................18  
power switch ......................................................... 11, 18  
presser foot lever ...........................................................10  
previous page key .........................................................13  
W
winding bobbin ............................................................29  
Q
quick reference guide .....................................................8  
R
race ..............................................................................74  
release button ...............................................................21  
replacing needle ...........................................................28  
resewing .......................................................................66  
retrieving pattern .................................................... 70, 71  
S
safety instructions ...........................................................1  
saving patterns ..............................................................70  
seam ripper .....................................................................8  
selecting alphanumeric characters ................................53  
selecting embroidery patterns .......................................50  
settings key ...................................................................13  
solving operation problems ...........................................78  
spool cap .......................................................... 8, 30, 38  
spool net .................................................................. 8, 31  
spool of thread ..............................................................37  
stabilizer material .........................................................43  
start/stop button ............................................................12  
stopping embroidering ..................................................67  
T
thread cutter .................................................................10  
thread cutter button ......................................................12  
thread guide .................................................... 10, 31, 39  
thread guide cover .......................................... 10, 31, 39  
thread guide disk ................................................... 11, 40  
thread spools ................................................................37  
thread take-up lever ............................................... 10, 40  
thread tension adjustment ...................................... 63, 64  
threading ......................................................................37  
threading bobbin ..........................................................29  
threading needle ...........................................................37  
threading needle manually ............................................42  
touch panel ...................................................................13  
troubleshooting .............................................................78  
turning machine on/off ..................................................17  
U
upgrading .....................................................................86  
upper thread .................................................................37  
upper thread spool ........................................................37  
upper thread tension .....................................................63  
upper threading ............................................................37  
USB cable .....................................................................71  
USB port connector ......................................................71  
88  
English  
885-V51  
3
XE5427-201  
Printed in China  

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